ITV plc

What does ITV own?
ITV owns ITV Studios, a global content production business with labels across 13 countries producing shows including Love Island, Hell's Kitchen, Line of Duty, and Vigil. It also operates broadcast channels ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, and ITVBe, the ITVX streaming platform, and co-owns BritBox UK with BBC Studios. Following the announced sale of Media and Entertainment to Sky, ITV will retain ownership of ITV Studios.

Is ITV publicly traded?
Yes, ITV plc is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ITV. The company has been listed since its formation in 2004 through the merger of Granada and Carlton Communications. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake.

Who founded ITV?
ITV was founded in 1955 under the Television Act 1954 as the UK's first commercial television network. It was initially operated as a federation of regional companies including Associated-Rediffusion, ATV, and Granada. ITV plc was formed in 2004 through the merger of Granada and Carlton Communications.

Where is ITV headquartered?
ITV is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company maintains corporate offices and main production facilities in London, with additional production centers in Manchester, Leeds, and other UK media hubs.

What is ITVX?
ITVX is ITV's streaming platform, launched in December 2022 to replace the ITV Hub. It is an integrated advertising and subscription-funded platform offering free ad-supported content and premium subscription options. ITVX viewing was up 16% in 2025 and up 27% in H1 2026, with digital advertising revenue up 12% in 2025.

What is ITV Studios?
ITV Studios is ITV's global content production business, operating across 13 countries with multiple production labels. It produces shows including Love Island, Hell's Kitchen, Line of Duty, Vigil, and The Gentlemen for broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide. In FY2025, ITV Studios reported revenue of £2,130 million, up 5% year over year.

What is the ITV Sky deal?
In 2026, ITV announced the sale of its Media and Entertainment business to Sky. The transaction includes ITV's broadcast channels, ITVX streaming platform, and advertising sales operations. ITV expects a net cash return of approximately £950 million. The transaction is expected to close midway through 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. Following the sale, ITV will consist primarily of ITV Studios.

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 geographic areas of the UK. Companies including Associated-Rediffusion (London), ATV (Midlands), and Granada (North of England) were among the original franchise holders.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, ITV established itself as a major force in British television, producing popular programming across drama, entertainment, and news. The regional structure created a diverse production base, with different companies contributing programming to the national network. The Broadcasting Act 1990 introduced competitive franchise auctions, which led to consolidation as smaller regional companies were acquired or merged.

The consolidation accelerated in the 1990s and 2000s. Granada acquired several regional companies, and in 2004, Granada and Carlton Communications merged to form ITV plc, creating a single company owning most of the ITV network. This consolidation gave ITV the scale to compete with the BBC and emerging multi-channel broadcasters.

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, ITV4, and ITVBe to complement its main channel, targeting different audience demographics.

In 2022, ITV launched ITVX, a streaming platform that replaced the ITV Hub. ITVX was designed as an integrated advertising and subscription-funded platform, offering both free ad-supported content and premium subscription options. The platform has been central to ITV's digital transformation strategy, driving growth in digital viewing and digital advertising revenue.

ITV Studios grew through acquisitions including Talpa Media (2015, producer of The Voice), World Productions (2017, producer of Line of Duty and Vigil), and Big Talk Productions. The production business expanded internationally, with operations across 13 countries and content sales to global streaming platforms. By 2025, scripted growth reached 10%, and 28% of ITV Studios' business came from streamers.

In 2024, ITV sold its stake in BritBox International, generating £194 million in profit from the sale. BritBox UK, the domestic streaming service co-owned with BBC Studios, continues to operate.

In 2026, ITV announced the sale of its Media and Entertainment business to Sky. The transaction represents a fundamental restructuring of ITV, transforming it from an integrated broadcaster and producer into a pure content production company. The sale includes ITV's broadcast channels, ITVX streaming platform, and advertising sales operations. ITV Studios will remain independently owned by ITV plc following the transaction.

ITV publishes sustainability reports and has committed to environmental targets including reducing carbon emissions from its operations. The company's sustainability program covers environmental impact, diversity and inclusion, and social responsibility.

ITV's most significant social impact is its role as a public service broadcaster. The company provides news programming, current affairs content, and children's programming as part of its public service broadcasting obligations. ITV also provides free-to-air television, which ensures universal access to its content regardless of income.

The company has faced scrutiny over its advertising practices, particularly regarding junk food advertising and gambling advertisements. The LHF regulations introduced in October 2025 have constrained advertising in certain categories, and ITV has worked with advertisers to mitigate the impact.

ITV faced significant public scrutiny in 2023 following the Phillip Schofield affair, in which the long-time This Morning presenter resigned after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague. The incident raised questions about ITV's duty of care and workplace culture. ITV commissioned an external review led by Jane Mulcahy KC, which found no evidence of a cover-up but made recommendations for improved workplace policies.

The sale of Media and Entertainment to Sky, announced in 2026, is subject to regulatory review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofcom. The transaction reduces the number of major commercial broadcasters in the UK, potentially raising competition concerns. However, Sky does not currently operate a free-to-air terrestrial broadcast network, which may limit the competition overlap.

ITV's advertising market has been affected by the LHF regulations, which restrict advertising of less healthy food and drink products on television and online. The regulations, introduced in October 2025, have reduced advertising inventory and impacted total advertising revenue.