Counsel, News

The Position The Counsel, News, will serve as a media lawyer to the Versant News Group properties (MSNBC, CNBC and E! News), primarily on issues of newsgathering, broadcast and publication, and intellectual property. This is a unique opportunity to help build the news legal function for a newly formed media company Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Advise News journalists working across a broad range of platforms, including linear television, streaming, digital, social, and podcasts, in support of a broad range of news content, including daily news programming and digital reporting, specials, investigative and breaking news, commentary, documentaries, entertainment and lifestyle, and unscripted programming Conduct pre-broadcast and pre-publication review Advise on newsgathering and access issues Counsel on copyright and other intellectual property matters; negotiate and settle pre-litigation copyright claims Respond to pre- and post-publication threats and challenges Respond to subpoenas and other third-party requests for information Draft and deliver newsroom legal training and guidelines Provide production legal support, including drafting releases and location agreements Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to, among other topics, sponsored editorial content, issue and political advertising, and elections Review promotional and marketing materials Partner with Standards on upholding policies that protect our integrity, accuracy and independence Craft and deliver legal training for the newsroom Monitor domestic and international legal developments affecting the press, freedom of speech, and publication Partner with specialist lawyers across Versant’s Legal Department, including on News -related litigation Mentor and support News lawyers; contribute to an inclusive, collaborative team culture; demonstrate leadership; and take initiative to deliver value and support the production and distribution of the highest quality news content in the industry