ITV plc
British free-to-air television network and production company, the largest commercial broadcaster in the United Kingdom.
Company Type
public
Founded
1955
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Stock
London Stock Exchange: ITV
Revenue
approximately £3.7 billion (FY2024)
Employees
Approximately 6,500
Primary Market
United Kingdom
About ITV plc
ITV operates through three main business segments: Broadcast & Online, ITV Studios, and Media & Entertainment. The Broadcast & Online segment includes ITV's free-to-air television channels and the ITVX streaming platform, which combines free ad-supported content with premium subscription options.
ITV Studios has grown into one of the world's largest television production companies, creating content for ITV channels and third-party broadcasters worldwide. The production business operates across 13 countries with 60 different labels, producing content across drama, entertainment, reality, and factual genres.
The Media & Entertainment segment includes ITV's advertising sales operations and commercial partnerships. ITV has been investing in addressable advertising technology and data analytics to enhance its advertising capabilities across linear television and digital platforms.
ITV co-owns BritBox alongside BBC Studios, a streaming service featuring British television content available in multiple international markets. This partnership combines ITV's commercial expertise with the BBC's content library.
History of ITV plc
ITV was founded in 1955 as the United Kingdom's first commercial television network, established under the Television Act 1954 to provide an alternative to the BBC's public service broadcasting. The network initially operated as a federation of regional companies, each holding licenses to broadcast to specific areas of the UK.
Throughout the late 20th century, ITV underwent significant consolidation as regional companies merged to form larger entities. The network evolved from a loose federation of regional broadcasters into a more integrated national commercial television company.
The launch of digital television in the late 1990s and early 2000s created new opportunities for ITV to expand its channel portfolio. The company launched digital channels including ITV2, ITV3, and ITV4 to complement its main ITV1 service.
In recent years, ITV has focused on digital transformation with the launch of ITVX in 2022, Britain's first integrated advertising and subscription-funded streaming platform. The company has also expanded ITV Studios into a major international content production business operating across multiple countries and genres.
Brands Owned by ITV plc
ITV plc owns 1 brand in our database.
Shop ITV plc Brands
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases
Stock Information
ITV plc Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Public ownership provides access to capital markets and liquidity
- +Diversified business model across broadcasting, streaming, and production
- +Strong brand recognition and market position in UK media landscape
- +International production operations provide geographic diversification
- +Growing streaming platform with ITVX showing promising growth metrics
Considerations
- -Highly competitive broadcasting and streaming market requires continuous investment
- -Traditional advertising revenue faces pressure from digital competitors
- -Content production costs continue to rise across all genres
- -Regulatory oversight and public service obligations create operational constraints
- -Dependence on advertising revenue makes company vulnerable to economic cycles
Frequently Asked Questions About ITV plc
Is ITV publicly traded?
Yes, ITV trades on the London Stock Exchange under ticker ITV and is widely held by institutional and individual investors. There is no single controlling shareholder.
Who founded ITV?
ITV was founded in 1955 under the Television Act 1954 as the UK's first commercial television network, initially operating as a federation of regional companies.
What is ITVX?
ITVX is ITV's integrated streaming platform launched in 2022, combining free ad-supported content with premium subscription options. It represents Britain's first integrated advertising and subscription-funded streaming platform.
Does ITV own BritBox?
ITV co-owns BritBox alongside BBC Studios. BritBox is a streaming service featuring British television content available in multiple international markets.
What is ITV Studios?
ITV Studios is ITV's content production business, operating across 13 countries with 60 different labels. It creates content for ITV channels and third-party broadcasters worldwide across multiple genres.
Jobs at ITV plc
Latest News About ITV plc
Related Articles About ITV plc
View more articles
Monthly IPO Roundup: July 2026 — June's Biggest Listings
June 2026 was the most historic IPO month in market history: SpaceX priced at $135 per share on June 12, raising $75 billion in the largest IPO ever. Quantinuum raised $1.68B, INNIO priced a $2.8B deal, and Bending Spoons filed for a $20B Nasdaq listing. Full recap.
Monthly M&A Roundup: June 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
June 2026's biggest brand ownership moves: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy Taylor Morrison for $6.8B, GSK struck a $10.6B deal for Nuvalent, CRH acquired Arcosa for $8.5B, and Qualcomm agreed to buy AI startup Modular for $3.92B. Full breakdown of every major deal.
A Complete Guide to LVMH Brands: What Does the Luxury Giant Own?
LVMH owns 75 luxury maisons including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany, Guerlain, and Sephora. Here is the complete brand list by division, with acquisition dates and what each brand does.
Related Companies to ITV plc
View more companies
Jet2.com Limited
British low-cost airline and package holiday company offering scheduled flights and holiday packages across Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
3 brands in portfolio
Telegraph Media Group Limited
British media company that owns and operates The Telegraph newspapers and digital platforms, providing news, politics, business, and lifestyle content across print and online channels.
3 brands in portfolio
Liberty Media Corporation
American media and entertainment conglomerate owning multiple major brands including Formula 1, SiriusXM, and other entertainment properties.
3 brands in portfolio
Nine Entertainment
Australian media company operating television networks, streaming platforms, newspapers, and digital content services across Australia, serving as one of the country's largest integrated media organizations.
5 brands in portfolio
Snap Inc.
American technology company specializing in camera and social media applications, best known for Snapchat, Spectacles, and augmented reality technology.
4 brands in portfolio
Warner Music Group
World's third-largest music corporation, privately held by Access Industries, operating through multiple record labels and music publishing divisions globally.
9 brands in portfolio