General Counsel, Angus McBride

Team size: 31

What are the most significant cases or transactions that the legal team has recently been involved in?

The team has been working alongside journalists to secure, investigate and publish award-winning investigations, such as cash for honours, “pestminster”, the conduct of the British armed forces overseas, abuse of Covid support, and failings in government. Additionally, they have advised on some of the most high-profile media issues and cases of the past few years, including Johnny Depp losing his libel action against the Sun newspaper, over allegations of domestic violence against Amber Heard. Moreover, we have argued the case for digital newspapers to receive the same VAT treatment as print newspapers through litigation and lobbying efforts, resulting in a change in the law for current purposes and an appeal to be heard before the Supreme Court in November for past treatment. We have advised on a fast-growing programmatic advertising and data driven joint venture, and on the launch of News UK’s first tv channel, TalkTV, within an expedited timescale, as well as participated in negotiations related to the acquisition of audio sports rights and the distribution of audio content for major sporting events. Lastly, we have advised on the acquisition of Damous, a company specialising in newspaper printing in Ireland.

Other participations include daily support and advice on end-to-end supply chain arrangements required to facilitate the production and delivery of newspapers.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

The way media is consumed, and the way data is used to enhance experiences is continuously changing. The legal team will need to continue to be resilient, adaptable and proactive in order to keep up with digital and data innovation, transformations, and methods by which content is secured and delivered across converged media.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

Immerse yourself in the business and understand it. Sit alongside your business partners, regularly attend key editorial, commercial and executive meetings. Ensure communication is such that you can spot legal and business issues early and plan for new workflow. Be available, be practical, work hard and advise clearly with demonstrable underlying knowledge.