Robyn Polashuk has joined Covington & Burling as a partner in the firm’s communications and media practice, focusing on video content distribution.

Ms. Polashuk’s practice focuses on the licensing and distribution of video content across a variety of platforms and business models – from cable, satellite and IPTV to broadband and mobile applications, video-on-demand and electronic sell-through. She also negotiates retransmission consent agreements on behalf of broadcast stations.

“We’ve long had a strong practice in media, communications and sports, centered around a leading FCC regulatory practice,” said Timothy Hester, chair of the firm’s management committee. “Robyn’s arrival allows us to combine her depth in content distribution deals with an already vibrant content distribution practice and a premier regulatory practice, which will be of great benefit to a wide range of our clients,” he said.

Ms. Polashuk has particular expertise in content protection and digital rights management issues related to television and film programming distribution. She previously held in-house legal positions with Lifetime Entertainment Services and The Walt Disney Company. Most recently, she was a partner at an international law firm in Los Angeles.

“Robyn is a strong addition to our team, making it possible to offer our clients additional capabilities in video content distribution, including content licensing, affiliation and distribution matters, and related corporate transactions and litigation,” said Jennifer Johnson, co-chair of the firm’s communications and media practice.

Ms. Polashuk said she was drawn to Covington’s collaborative culture and business model as well as its extensive regulatory expertise and resources. “This is an exciting opportunity to join a firm that already has a deep well of expertise in the area of communications, media and sports. My practice will help expand the firm’s breadth in video programming distribution,” she said.

Ms. Polashuk received a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, a master’s degree from the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Southern California, and a law degree from UCLA School of Law.

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