The media practice at CMS acts for major streaming clients and leading sporting organisations in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious issues. The team as a whole works across multiple media segments, combining its digital content and social expertise with substantial experience in the audiovisual, gaming and sports sectors. The firm has strong international ties, allowing it to advise clients on cross-border mandates, including M&A. John Cloake is especially active in transactional matters involving commercial rights in the sports sector. Co-head Victoria Gaskell, a key contact for production companies, platforms and channels, focuses on content and digital media mandates. Fellow co-leader Paul Guite handles international and UK-based transactions for media and technology clients. Sam Oustayiannis, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, advises on content distribution issues and on the launch of new media technology products and platforms. Selina Potter leads on broadcasting and technology matters, while John Enser is a strong performer in mandates involving the distribution of audio and audiovisual content via digital platforms.  

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Key clients

  • Avia Games
  • BBC
  • Box To Box Films Limited
  • BT / BT Sport
  • Comcast
  • Coutts & Co
  • Cutting Edge Group
  • Dentsu Aegis Network
  • Elisabeth Murdoch
  • FremantleMedia Group Limited
  • Global Radio
  • Immediate Media
  • ITV
  • Jeremy Clarkson
  • Kobalt Music
  • M&C Saatchi
  • MTV
  • NBCUniversal
  • News Corp
  • News UK and Ireland
  • Paramount Global
  • Sky
  • SkyShowTime
  • The Premier League
  • UKTV Media Limited
  • WarnerBros Discovery
  • Pathé Productions Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised NBCUniversal and Sky on their new partnership with African media company MultiChoice Group for the Showmax streaming service.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Victoria Gaskell, Paul Guite

Other key lawyers

John Cloake, Sam Oustayiannis, John Enser, Selina Potter