Media regulator Ofcom is considering whether Sky's shareholding in ITV represents a change in control of one or more of the Channel 3 broadcasting licences held by ITV plc.
The regulator is inviting comment from both Sky and ITV before making a decision.
"If Ofcom were to conclude that a change of control had taken place, Ofcom would then need to review the effects - or likely effects - of such a change of control on ITV's licensed services; for example, original productions, news and current affairs programmes and regional programming," the regulator said in a statement today.
Ofcom expects to make a decision, taking into account various factors including the
level of shareholding acquired, voting rights, ITV's constitution and
management controls, and funding arrangements, within six weeks.
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