Hit ITV shows could disappear behind a paywall within a decade after the commercial network agreed to sell its media and entertainment business to Sky for £1.6bn.
ITV said “fan favourites” including Coronation Street, Love Island, Emmerdale and I’m a Celebrity, along with its national and regional news, would remain free to view on the channel and its streaming service, ITVX.
But that commitment only extended to 2034, when ITV’s current licence as a public service broadcaster expires, raising concerns that its most popular shows could become part of Sky’s pay-TV offer after that date.
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2034 is also the government’s preferred date to switch off the Freeview signal, under its plans to shift all households to streaming-only viewing.
