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Paramount Appoints Global Head of Public Policy Amidst Regulatory Shift

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 18:06 GMT by TheWrap
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE

By Elias Thorne, Staff Writer

February 13, 2026 - Paramount Global today announced the appointment of Rene Augustine as its new Global Head of Public Policy, a move signaling the media giant's increasing emphasis on navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly complex regulatory environment. Augustine's appointment, effective immediately, places a seasoned government affairs professional at the helm of Paramount's policy strategy as the company seeks to solidify its position in the evolving digital media landscape.

Reporting directly to Chief Legal Officer Masimo Capuano and based in Washington, D.C., Augustine will be tasked with a significant responsibility: shaping and advocating for Paramount's public policy priorities on a global scale. This encompasses a vast portfolio, including broadcast regulations, streaming rights, content moderation, data privacy, and increasingly, the implications of artificial intelligence on content creation and distribution. The role requires close collaboration with legal, business, and creative teams across all of Paramount's major divisions - CBS, Paramount+, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures - ensuring a unified and proactive approach to policy challenges and opportunities.

Augustine joins Paramount from Verizon, where he held a senior position focusing on government relations and public policy. His experience at Verizon is particularly relevant, as the telecommunications giant has also faced intense scrutiny and regulation related to infrastructure, net neutrality, and data security. This background suggests Augustine is well-versed in the intricacies of lobbying, regulatory compliance, and building consensus with diverse stakeholders.

Capuano's statement highlighted Augustine's "deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape" and "proven track record of building strong relationships with policymakers." This isn't mere corporate boilerplate. The media industry is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented disruption, fueled by the rise of streaming services, the fragmentation of viewership, and the increasing power of tech platforms. Regulations are struggling to keep pace with these changes, creating both risks and opportunities for established players like Paramount.

The Shifting Regulatory Landscape & Why This Matters

The appointment of a dedicated Global Head of Public Policy underscores the growing importance of government affairs within the entertainment industry. Several key areas are driving this trend.

• Streaming Regulation: As streaming services like Paramount+ gain market share, the question of how they are regulated - or if they are regulated - is becoming increasingly urgent. Traditional broadcast regulations are often ill-suited to the on-demand, global nature of streaming, leading to debates about content quotas, advertising standards, and consumer protection.
• Content Moderation & Platform Liability: The debate over Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content, continues to rage. Paramount, as a content creator and distributor, needs to navigate this complex legal terrain and advocate for policies that protect its intellectual property while ensuring responsible content moderation.
• Data Privacy: Data privacy regulations, such as GDPR in Europe and evolving state laws in the US, are impacting how Paramount collects, uses, and shares consumer data. Compliance with these regulations is costly and complex, requiring robust data governance practices and a proactive approach to privacy advocacy.
• AI & Intellectual Property: The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence pose new challenges for the media industry. Concerns about AI-generated content infringing on copyrighted material, the ethical implications of deepfakes, and the potential for AI to disrupt content creation are all areas where Paramount needs to formulate a clear policy position.
• International Regulations: Paramount operates globally, meaning Augustine will also be responsible for navigating a patchwork of international regulations related to content licensing, censorship, and data flows.

Beyond Compliance: Proactive Policy Shaping

While ensuring compliance with existing regulations is crucial, Augustine's role extends beyond simply reacting to changes. Paramount, like other media companies, is increasingly seeking to proactively shape policy to create a favorable business environment. This may involve advocating for new legislation, participating in industry coalitions, and engaging in public education campaigns.

The focus on building "strong relationships with policymakers" - as Capuano stated - is a key element of this proactive strategy. Establishing trust and rapport with regulators and legislators is essential for influencing policy decisions and ensuring Paramount's voice is heard. Augustine's experience at Verizon suggests he possesses the political acumen and negotiation skills necessary to succeed in this endeavor.

Analysts predict that the next few years will be pivotal for the media industry, with significant regulatory changes on the horizon. Paramount's investment in a dedicated Global Head of Public Policy suggests the company is preparing for a future where navigating the political landscape is just as important as creating compelling content.