Paramount Skydance Taps Veteran D.C. Insider Ted Lehman to Lead Washington Policy Push Amid Industry Turmoil

In a strategic play to bolster its influence in the nation's capital, Paramount Skydance has named Ted Lehman as Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Public Policy and Government Affairs. Lehman, a Washington operative with over two decades of experience spanning Congress, law, and bipartisan consulting, will helm the company's D.C. office effective February 2.

Reporting directly to Chief Legal Officer Makan Delrahim, Lehman is tasked with shaping and advocating for Paramount's policy agenda before lawmakers and regulators. His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the company, which is currently engaged in a high-stakes attempt to disrupt Netflix's proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Industry analysts view the hire as a direct effort to fortify Paramount's arguments that such a mega-merger would face intense antitrust scrutiny.

"Ted's role will be to ensure our voice is not just heard, but is persuasive, as we engage with policymakers on issues vital to our future," Delrahim stated in an internal memo. Lehman most recently served as a partner at the bipartisan Todd Strategy Group, where he counseled media and tech clients.

The move underscores Paramount Skydance's commitment to navigating an increasingly regulated media environment. Under Chairman and CEO David Ellison, the company has positioned itself as both a disruptor and a consolidator, making a savvy Washington strategy more crucial than ever. Lehman's deep roots—from his early work for the late Senator Orrin Hatch to his tenure at a major international law firm—provide a network that spans the political aisle.

"This isn't just about hiring a lobbyist; it's about installing a seasoned general for the policy wars ahead," said media industry analyst Rebecca Cho. "With Lehman's bipartisan credibility, Paramount is signaling it's ready to play hardball in the regulatory arena, especially to challenge its rivals' deals."

Voices from the Industry:

• Michael R. Garrison, Media Consultant: "A textbook elite hire. Lehman understands the levers of power as well as anyone in D.C. For Paramount, this is a defensive and offensive move—protecting their own interests while complicating the path for competitors."
• Sarah Chen, Tech Policy Fellow: "It reflects the new reality. Media battles are no longer just fought in the boardroom or at the box office; they're fought through FCC filings and in congressional hearings. Lehman's legal and legislative expertise is precisely the toolkit they need."
• David Finch, Former Studio Executive: "So the 'creative' solution to making better content is to hire another lawyer-politician? This is why Hollywood is losing its soul. Instead of investing in writers or new ideas, they pour millions into lobbying to squash competition. It's cynical and short-sighted."
• Priya Sharma, Antitrust Scholar: "The appointment directly correlates with the escalating consolidation fears in streaming. Having a respected advocate like Lehman allows Paramount to frame the antitrust debate more effectively, potentially swaying regulatory opinion."

Lehman, a University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown Law graduate, will oversee all domestic policy matters for the media conglomerate, from intellectual property and content regulation to the evolving landscape of antitrust enforcement in the digital age.