Senior Content Lawyer

Job content

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), 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. ViacomCBS 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.
Unleash your potential in a place you belong
Come and join a culture where content, people and ideas merge. An exciting and open place where your talents can truly thrive. Ready? This could be the start of something special.
At ViacomCBS, we have an iconic portfolio of brands, like Paramount, MTV, Nickelodeon, and many more - but it’s our employees that make it unique. You could be the next addition to our incredible team.

Is this the role for you?
The Business and Legal Affairs (“BALA”) team in London are expanding the Content Legal & Compliance division to support its award winning commissioned content and in-house production house delivering to the entire portfolio of well-known channel brands and platforms. Channel 5’s strategy has led to a 40% increase in originations over the last 5 years, delivering over 2000 hours of originated content including popular factual, specialist factual, drama and current affairs.
This hugely trusted and well respected team works with commissioners, producers and editors across an enviable expanse of programming and content appealing to every demographic of the UK audience, in both public service and commercial broadcasting and content delivery.

What will you be doing?
We are looking for an enthusiastic, collaborative content lawyer or experienced compliance advisor to join the Content Legal & Compliance BALA team in London. The role includes:
Working with in-house producers and commissioners to provide programme and online content legal and regulatory advice on a broad range of issues that can include defamation, contempt, privacy, data protection, intellectual property as well as regulatory compliance within the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, advertising standards and practices
Understanding editorial ambition and direction to advise effectively on both pre- and post-broadcast and online publication across multiple genres, which includes live output, journalism and news programming
Analysing and balancing the risks involved in the production and publication process identifying potential consequences that may result in regulator sanctions and/or legal liabilities, both criminal and civil
Collaborating with the rest of the BALA team and UK business to work within governance protocols, exercising appropriate judgment and seeking guidance and advice from others, particularly when there is a new or complex issue to address
Advising on child protection and contributor duty of care, commercial references in programmes and teleshopping, sponsorship, product placement, broadcast competitions, election broadcasting and such other matters that arise from time to time
Advising on editorial ethics affecting programmes and online content
Managing reviews into programme and online content issues pre-and post-broadcast
Handling and drafting responses to complaints and regulatory investigations including Ofcom standards or fairness and privacy complaints
Reviewing policies, guidelines and protocols for the management of programmes
Attending and advising at recordings, and live and ‘as- live’ programmes
Training internal staff and production companies on legal and compliance issues affecting programme and online content
Pre- and post-litigation management including instructing counsel and external solicitors
Liaising and working closely with commissioners, production companies, press, programme management, business affairs, creatives, marketing and management
Where required, supervising junior members of the team, including the nurturing and development of other content lawyers, compliance supervisors, legal trainees and other junior roles
Keeping up to date on the evolution of the law and practice in this area
Embracing the ‘One ViacomCBS’ approach and encourage collaboration and team working
Being an ambassador for all VCNI channels, internally and externally
Adopting and promoting the ViacomCBS values and support a culture of inclusion

What are we looking for?
Qualified lawyer (barrister or solicitor) or experienced broadcast compliance advisor with expertise in legal/regulatory compliance issues as they relate to the creation and publication of content in the public service and commercial broadcasting space
In-depth understanding of media law and regulation including defamation, contempt, privacy, copyright, data protection and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and Guidance
Experience of advising producers and commissioners pre- and post-broadcast on media law and regulation in relation to programmes and/or online and/or other media content
Experience of media litigation – defendant and/or claimant work
Experience of drafting/reviewing programme protocols, guidance notes, contributor contracts/releases and access agreements
An approachable, professional persona with the ability to collaborate easily in a friendly and lively environment
Skilled communicator comfortable adapting your style to be effective at all levels
A good listener, willing to take on all details and ask the right questions, before approaching matters in a practical and analytical way
Solid attention to detail and confidence in handling strict deadlines, providing an excellent service to key stakeholders around the busines
Creative problem solving skills with strong and sound judgement in evaluating legal and editorial issues
A passion for freedom of expression
A committed and resilient teammate with an ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines
A willingness to learn quickly, adapt when appropriate and to apply new findings to deliver practical solutions
Everything else!
We offer an inclusive environment where you can really be yourself and find your niche. You’ll get to work alongside streaming platforms you can be proud of, with content that touches millions of lives. Plus, you can learn about the things we’re doing to make the industry more sustainable, and enjoy lots of perks:
A monthly streaming fund
All the health and financial benefits you’d expect, and some you wouldn’t
Flexibility to own the way you work
Mental health activities and support
All manner of BBQs, socials and events
What are you waiting for? Put in your application! Our Values:
Our values are intertwined and work together to drive the business outcomes we seek, and once combined we believe these will power our company forward. Optimism & Determination
We share a positive belief that we can navigate and thrive in the landscape ahead Inclusivity & Collaboration
We Embrace new and divers voices, act with care and work together to capture opportunities and manager through challenges Agility & Adaptability
We think entrepreneurially, are resilient in change and move quickly to anticipate and create what’s next

ViacomCBS is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).
At ViacomCBS, 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. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we take our responsibility in safeguarding children and adults seriously. We work hard to ensure that everyone with whom we engage receive equal protection from all types of harm or abuse, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity; an obligation we take very seriously.
To ensure, we are an exemplar in the field of safeguarding individuals, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria of the role applied for and for those who are successful in receiving an offer for roles that interact with children, completed background checks will be required prior to joining. Should you need any support during the recruitment process, please advise your recruiter or email UK.recruitment@vimn.com where we will support your request as suitably possible.
Additionally, we are proud to partner with a number of incredible communities and if you have a disability or a long-term condition (including hidden conditions such as mental health, autism, dyslexia, etc) that would need an adjustment; either in the application process, the interview process, the onboarding process or day to day, our amazing partner Evenbreak can provide additional help and advice to disabled candidates who may be interested in our vacancies. Find out more at https://hive.evenbreak.co.uk

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

At ViacomCBS, 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. ViacomCBS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. 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.