Invitation to comment and guidance note – 5 November 2026

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint Ofcom deals with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Media use and attitudes Media plurality Consultations and statements

Published: 5 November 2026

Consultation closes: 13 November 2026

Status: Open

Invitation to comment and guidance note - 5 November 2026

On 4 November 2026, the Secretary of State issued a Public Interest Intervention Notice (PIIN) in relation to the potential relevant merger situation arising from the proposed acquisition by Sky UK Limited of ITV M&E Holdings Limited.

Ofcom is now required to report to the Secretary of State under section 44A of the Enterprise Act 2002. We must complete our investigation and report by 5pm, 27 January 2027.

Today we have published:

an invitation to comment on the public interest test concerning the potential merger situation; and
a guidance note that explains the process and timetable for preparing our report.

We seek responses by email to PublicInterestTestSkyITV@ofcom.org.uk, no later than 5pm, 13 November 2026.

Main documents

Invitation to comment - PIIT on potential merger situation in relation to ITV M&E Holdings Ltd • PDF • 240.63 KB • 5 November 2026

Guidance Note - PIIT on potential merger situation in relation to ITV M&E Holdings Ltd • PDF • 223.44 KB • 5 November 2026

How to respond

Address

Sky/ITV Public Interest Test Team
Ofcom
Riverside House
2A Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA

Email: PublicInterestTestSkyITV@ofcom.org.uk

Back to top