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Paramount, Skydance Hire Lobbyist Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 14:21 GMT by Variety
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - January 30th, 2026 - In a move signaling escalating engagement with the nation's capital, Paramount Global and Skydance Media have jointly appointed Ted Lehman, a seasoned Washington D.C. lobbyist, to spearhead their public policy and government affairs initiatives. The hire comes at a critical juncture for the entertainment industry, facing unprecedented regulatory scrutiny across multiple fronts - from the future of streaming to the evolving landscape of copyright law and the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence.

Lehman, formerly a principal at the influential lobbying firm Brownstein Farber Holcombe, brings a deep understanding of the legislative process and established relationships on Capitol Hill. His resume boasts significant experience, including a tenure as a senior advisor to the House Ways and Means Committee and a role as legislative director for former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. This background positions him uniquely to navigate the complex political terrain in Washington and advocate effectively for the interests of both Paramount and Skydance.

The timing of this appointment is no coincidence. The entertainment industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by the rise of streaming services, the proliferation of user-generated content, and the rapid advancement of AI technologies. These shifts are attracting increasing attention from regulators, who are grappling with how to adapt existing laws to address these new realities.

Streaming Services Under the Microscope

The streaming landscape, once largely unregulated, is now facing increased scrutiny regarding issues like net neutrality, data privacy, and content moderation. Concerns are mounting about the market power of a few dominant streaming platforms and their potential to stifle competition. Regulators are exploring options ranging from stricter antitrust enforcement to the implementation of new regulations designed to promote fairness and consumer choice. Lehman's expertise will be crucial in shaping the conversation around these issues and ensuring that Paramount+ and Skydance's streaming ventures - including their co-productions and distribution deals - can operate in a favorable regulatory environment.

Copyright in the Digital Age

Copyright law, traditionally designed for physical media, is struggling to keep pace with the digital age. The ease with which content can be copied and distributed online has created significant challenges for copyright holders. AI-generated content further complicates matters, raising questions about authorship, ownership, and fair use. Paramount and Skydance, both heavily invested in intellectual property, will rely on Lehman to advocate for stronger copyright protections and to ensure that their creative works are adequately safeguarded from infringement.

The AI Revolution and Its Implications

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is arguably the most significant challenge facing the entertainment industry today. AI is being used in a wide range of applications, from scriptwriting and visual effects to music composition and content recommendation. While AI offers tremendous creative and economic opportunities, it also raises a host of legal and ethical concerns.

Questions surrounding AI-generated content and its impact on human artists, the use of AI-powered deepfakes, and the potential for AI to displace jobs are all likely to be subject to regulatory scrutiny. Lehman will play a key role in helping Paramount and Skydance navigate these uncharted waters and to advocate for policies that promote responsible AI innovation.

"Ted brings a wealth of experience and expertise in navigating the complexities of Washington," stated Kristin Robinson, Paramount Global's chief communications officer. "We are confident that he will be a valuable asset as we work to advance our policy priorities."

David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, echoed this sentiment, adding, "We're excited to welcome Ted to the Skydance team. His deep understanding of the legislative process will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business and address the challenges and opportunities facing our industry."

Lehman's appointment isn't an isolated event. Across Hollywood, studios and streaming services are significantly increasing their lobbying efforts, recognizing the need to proactively engage with policymakers. The entertainment industry is no longer content to simply react to regulatory changes; it is now actively seeking to shape the rules of the game. This represents a fundamental shift in strategy, as companies realize that their long-term success depends on their ability to navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape in Washington, D.C.