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Paramount Hires Lobbyist Amidst Regulatory Shifts

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. unt-hires-lobbyist-amidst-regulatory-shifts.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 14:17 GMT by TheWrap
      Locales: District of Columbia, UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON D.C. - January 30, 2026 - Paramount Global has made a strategic move to strengthen its government relations efforts in Washington D.C., appointing veteran political operative Ted Lehman as Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs. The announcement, made earlier today, signals a heightened focus by the media conglomerate on proactively engaging with policymakers as the landscape of content regulation, copyright law, and competitive practices rapidly evolves.

Lehman, who will report directly to Masimo Focardi, Paramount's chief strategy & corporate development officer, brings a distinguished resume to the role. His background includes significant service at the highest levels of the U.S. government, having served as Deputy Assistant to President Biden and Special Assistant to President Obama. Prior to re-entering the corporate sector, Lehman was a partner at the prominent law firm Covington & Burling, where he honed his expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

This appointment isn't occurring in a vacuum. The media and entertainment industry is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Streaming services are battling for market share, traditional cable television is in decline, and the rise of artificial intelligence is introducing new questions about content creation and ownership. These forces are driving a need for companies like Paramount to actively shape the policies that will govern their future.

Specifically, Paramount, like its peers, is keenly interested in several key policy areas. Content regulation remains a critical concern, particularly regarding issues of indecency, consumer protection, and the potential for government oversight of streaming platforms. The company also has a significant stake in modernizing copyright law to better protect its intellectual property in the digital age, addressing challenges posed by widespread online piracy and the unauthorized use of copyrighted material.

Furthermore, competition within the media landscape is under intense scrutiny. The consolidation of media companies in recent years has raised antitrust concerns, and regulators are increasingly focused on preventing monopolies and ensuring fair competition. Paramount's strategic interests require a deft hand in navigating these complex issues.

"Ted's deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory landscape, coupled with his extensive relationships on both sides of the aisle, will be invaluable as we navigate an increasingly complex media and entertainment environment," Focardi stated in a press release. This comment highlights the importance Paramount places on Lehman's ability to build consensus and advocate effectively for the company's position.

Industry analysts believe this move is indicative of a broader trend. Media companies are realizing that simply reacting to policy changes is no longer sufficient. Proactive engagement, strategic lobbying, and building strong relationships with key policymakers are now essential for success. Several other major entertainment firms have recently expanded their Washington D.C. lobbying operations, demonstrating a collective recognition of the growing importance of government affairs.

Lehman's experience working within both Democratic and Republican administrations provides him with a unique advantage. He understands the nuances of the political process and can effectively communicate Paramount's interests to a diverse range of stakeholders. His background at Covington & Burling further equips him with a deep understanding of legal and regulatory issues.

Looking ahead, Lehman's initial focus will likely be on several pressing issues. The ongoing debate over the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and potential reforms to address online piracy will be a key priority. He will also be closely monitoring legislative efforts related to data privacy, net neutrality, and the regulation of artificial intelligence. The recent proposal for a national data privacy standard is expected to be a major battleground in the coming months.

The appointment of Ted Lehman underscores Paramount Global's commitment to shaping the future of the media and entertainment industry. By investing in a strong government relations team, the company aims to ensure that its voice is heard in Washington D.C. and that its interests are protected as the industry continues to evolve.