Paramount Taps Ted Lehman as Chief Lobbyist in D.C.

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  Politics and Government on Fri, Jan 30th, 2026 by Deadline.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Washington, D.C. - January 30, 2026 - Paramount Global today announced the appointment of Ted Lehman as its new Senior Vice President of Government Relations, effectively becoming the company's chief lobbyist in Washington D.C. He succeeds Brian Moylan, a veteran government affairs professional who is retiring after a distinguished career advocating for Paramount's interests. The move signals a strategic commitment by Paramount to navigate an increasingly complex and challenging regulatory environment, particularly surrounding the burgeoning streaming wars and mounting antitrust concerns.

Lehman brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent years immersed in the intricacies of media and entertainment policy. Before joining Paramount, he operated as an independent consultant, advising a diverse portfolio of companies on navigating the shifting political terrain. This followed a lengthy career working within prominent Washington lobbying firms, honing his skills in legislative strategy and regulatory advocacy. While details regarding his previous firm affiliations remain largely confidential, sources suggest Lehman has consistently worked with major players within the entertainment and technology sectors.

The timing of Lehman's appointment is particularly noteworthy. The media industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented disruption, driven by the rapid growth of streaming services like Paramount+, Netflix, Disney+, and others. This has, in turn, created a surge in legislative and regulatory scrutiny. Issues ranging from content moderation and data privacy to net neutrality and the potential for monopolistic practices are all being actively debated on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Paramount, like its competitors, is facing pressure on multiple fronts. The company is investing heavily in its streaming platform, Paramount+, aiming to compete effectively with established giants. This requires advocating for policies that foster innovation and prevent overly burdensome regulations that could stifle growth. Simultaneously, Paramount must defend itself against potential antitrust challenges, particularly regarding its ownership of various media assets and the potential for anticompetitive behavior. The recent DOJ lawsuit against a major competitor in the streaming space only heightens these concerns.

"Ted's deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory process, combined with his experience in the media and entertainment sector, makes him an ideal fit to lead our government relations efforts," stated a senior Paramount executive in a press release. While the executive declined to be named, they emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with policymakers to ensure that Paramount's voice is heard amidst the ongoing debates.

Industry analysts predict a significant increase in lobbying spending from major media companies in the coming years. The stakes are high, with billions of dollars at play and the future of the entertainment industry hanging in the balance. Lehman's role will be critical in shaping the narrative around these issues and influencing legislative outcomes.

Beyond streaming and antitrust, other key policy areas where Lehman will likely focus include copyright protection, intellectual property rights, and the regulation of online advertising. The increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation and distribution also presents new regulatory challenges that Paramount will need to address. The implementation of the AI Accountability Act of 2025 will likely require Paramount to refine its content creation and distribution processes to ensure compliance.

The appointment of Lehman is not merely about defending existing interests; it's also about shaping the future of the media landscape. Paramount, under the leadership of CEO Bob Bakish, is positioning itself as a major player in the streaming era, and a strong government relations team is seen as essential to achieving that goal. Moylan's retirement marks the end of an era, but Lehman's arrival signals a renewed commitment to proactive engagement and strategic advocacy. The coming months and years will undoubtedly be pivotal for Paramount as it navigates the ever-changing world of media and entertainment policy.