Covington’s broadband practice focuses on the major issues confronting those companies seeking to use broadband service to deliver services to consumers. Whether the company is a household name seeking to expand its business model or an upstart company seeking to do business online, we advise them on the significant legal and regulatory issues they need to resolve, and how pending bills and rule changes could affect their business. The tremendous growth of broadband means that search engines and video distribution are raising issues to the forefront that just a few years ago were seen as too esoteric to concern policymakers. Moreover, many “old media” businesses see broadband as both a threat and an opportunity, and are figuring how to adapt. The power of broadband is also disrupting existing business models, and those companies frequently seek to use regulatory and statutory maneuvers to block any progress. Covington’s deep knowledge of the legislative and regulatory environment enables us to advise clients in this new era how to adapt, and also how to fight attacks on their exciting and disruptive business plans.
Representative Matters
- Net Neutrality. Covington has represented the coalition of Internet-based content companies (Amazon.com, eBay, Google, IAC, Microsoft, and Yahoo!) advocating for Congress to adopt rules ensuring broadband network operators do not discriminate. This legislative work builds on our work for these companies before the FCC.
- Sports Leagues. The sports leagues have long had some of the most important content in media, and that has not changed as broadband penetration has deepened. We regularly advise the NFL on a range of broadband issues, from net neutrality to online privacy to compulsory copyright. We also have briefed the NBA on how the media landscape is changing, and how broadband is both a compliment and a threat to existing models.
- Broadcasters. We have advised local broadcasters, which have unique content in many markets, as they explore deals to move their content to broadband platforms. We advise the Washington Post and have worked for many years with the NFL on a range of important communications and media issues, including debates on Sunday Ticket, importation of distant signals, and Internet gambling.
Accolades
- Chambers USA, leading Communications practice (2004-2007).
- Chambers USA, leading Communications Finance practice (2006).
- Chambers USA, leading Media and Entertainment practice (2006-2007).
- Practical Law Company, leading Communications practice (2005 & 2006).
- International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers, two attorneys recognized for Regulatory Communications (2005-2007).
- Best Lawyers in America, Covington partners are listed for First Amendment and Media law (2006).
- Our partners have significant experience outside of the practice ─ for example, on Capitol Hill, where they were deeply involved in the development of telecommunications legislation, and in the executive suites of major and highly visible media companies.
- Our partners have over the years held leadership positions in major associations in the media field ─ including the Federal Communications Bar Association, the International Radio and Television Society Foundation, the Media Institute and the Media Law Resource Center.
- A Covington partner has recently served as president of the Defense Council Section of the Media Law Resource Center, the national organization of media defense attorneys, and as president of the First Amendment Advisory Council of the Media Institute.
- A Covington partner received the Sprague Award and the President’s Medal from the National Press Photographers Association for service to the First Amendment.
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