ITV Sees ‘Solid’ Results in First Half of 2026, Reports $26 Million Loss Due to Fast Food Advertising Regulations
ITV reported broadly steady first-half results for 2026, describing performance as solid despite modest growth and pressure on parts of its business. The figures are significant because they are ITV’s first since plans emerged to sell its media and entertainment arm to Sky and separately list ITV Studios.
Group revenue remained at £1.9 billion, while adjusted EBITA rose 2% to £145 million; total advertising revenue increased 8%, helped by World Cup demand. ITV Studios’ EBITA fell 9% to £97 million, partly because fewer major streaming deliveries fell in the period, while ITVX viewing grew 27% and advertising revenue rose 13%. New restrictions on junk-food advertising cut ITVX advertising revenue by £20 million ($26 million), and ITV expects advertising to fall 5% in the next quarter amid wider economic pressures.
- ITV’s first-half revenue was steady, with profit up 2%.
- Junk-food advertising rules cost ITVX £20 million.
- ITV expects advertising income to fall next quarter.