Senior Media Lawyer, Content

Is this the role for you?

We’re looking for an experienced media lawyer to join the Business & Legal Affairs team, supporting content teams across production, commissioning, publication and commercial activity. This opportunity would suit a senior solicitor or barrister with strong expertise in media law, broadcasting regulation and editorial risk, who can provide clear, practical advice in a fast-moving content environment.

What will you be doing?

• Partner with in-house producers and commissioners to provide legal and regulatory advice on programme and online content across a broad range of issues, including defamation, contempt, privacy, data protection, intellectual property and compliance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and other relevant regulations.
• Support content teams before and after broadcast or publication across multiple genres, including live output, current affairs, documentaries, true crime, factual and drama content.
• Assess legal, editorial and regulatory risk in production and publication, helping teams make informed decisions and manage potential criminal or civil exposure.
• Work closely with commissioners, production companies, press, programme management, business affairs, creatives, marketing and senior leadership.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the legal team and wider business, using sound judgement and drawing on specialist input where issues are new, sensitive or complex.
• Advise on contributor welfare and child protection, commercial references, teleshopping, sponsorship, product placement, broadcast competitions, election broadcasting and related editorial compliance matters.
• Provide guidance on editorial standards and ethics affecting programmes and online content.
• Support reviews of programme and online content issues before and after broadcast.
• Prepare responses to complaints and regulatory investigations, including Ofcom standards, fairness and privacy matters.
• Attend recordings and live or as-live programming where needed to provide timely legal advice.
• Support pre-litigation and post-litigation matters where required.
• You'll also help keep the team up to date on developments in media law and regulation, contributing to know-how, guidance and shared best practice across the function.
• Build strong working relationships across the business and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Represent the business and its content brands with professionalism, sound judgement and credibility.
• Help foster an inclusive culture where different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are valued.
• Commercial compliance
• Advise on sponsorship opportunities and support content sign-off from script through to rough cut and delivery, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and brand standards.
• Support the use and licensing of intellectual property, including brands and characters, across partnerships, advertising, digital and social campaigns.
• Provide legal input on internal projects and release support across film, streaming and other content platforms.
• Support new monetisation opportunities across streaming, direct-to-consumer, events, advertiser-funded programming and digital channels.
• Partner with commissioning teams on advertiser-funded programming and commercial integration within content.
• Advise on advertising compliance, including BCAP Codes and related guidance.
• Training and knowledge sharing
• Deliver training for staff and freelancers on legal and compliance issues affecting programme and online content.
• Keep pace with upcoming legal and regulatory developments and help ensure the wider business is informed of relevant changes.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience in programme legal and regulatory compliance relating to content creation and publication within public service or commercial broadcasting.
• Strong expertise in media law and regulation, including defamation, contempt, privacy, copyright, data protection, the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and BCAP Codes and guidance.
• Experience advising producers and commissioners before and after broadcast on media law and regulation in relation to programme, digital or other media content.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to a wide range of stakeholders.
• A thoughtful and practical approach, with strong listening skills and the confidence to ask the right questions before reaching a view.
• Sound judgement and creative problem-solving skills when handling legal and editorial issues.
• The ability to adapt quickly, learn continuously and apply new knowledge in a practical way.
• A strong appreciation for freedom of expression and editorial integrity.
• A collaborative and flexible approach, with the resilience to manage a varied workload in a time-sensitive environment.
• Confidence using technology and digital tools in day-to-day legal work.

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Paramount Networks International, is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, BET and more. Paramount brands reach more than 3.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries and territories via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties, in 40 languages.

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

If you have any difficulties in applying or require access needs arising from a mobility or any other impairment please let us know by emailing uk.recruitment@vimn.com or calling 0207 555 1234. We can then ensure your experience and visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.