ITV to hand shareholders £100m after striking £1.6bn Sky deal

ITV announced today that it will return £100 million to shareholders following a major corporate restructuring. This payout follows the company's agreement to sell its media and entertainment division to Sky for £1.6 billion. The sale includes the terrestrial television channels and the ITVX streaming service.

CEO Carolyn McCall stated that the company performed well during the first half of 2026. Total group revenues rose by 2% to £1.89 billion for the six-month period. These gains were driven in part by higher advertising revenues linked to the World Cup, which helped the firm navigate challenges from new regulations restricting the advertising of less healthy foods. These regulations resulted in a £20 million impact on the company over the last six months.

While the media and entertainment division is moving to Sky, the production arm of the business remains with ITV. This division is responsible for creating popular content such as the drama series Mr Bates Vs The Post Office and reality programs like I’m A Celebrity. The board confirmed that the £100 million share buyback is just the beginning of a larger plan to return £950 million in total cash to shareholders from the Sky deal.

Pre-tax profits for the half-year increased by 16% to £78 million. Management maintains confidence in the company's full-year outlook. The focus remains on growing the production business and expanding digital revenue streams as the media landscape shifts.