Newell spent 2017 helping Discovery acquire Scripps Networks Interactive and keeping up with the regulatory and commercial law developments in M&A in an ever-changing media industry. When negotiating, Newell says she focuses on fair play and respect. “Negotiate with integrity and respect, and expect the same from the other side,” she says. “You will cross paths with lawyers and business people again.” Newell helped negotiate Discovery’s 2016 investment in Bethia Communications, the owner of Chile’s Mega TV.
What have been the most important legal issues in communications for you in the past year?
Keeping up with the continuous, fast-moving evolution of the digital media landscape! And more specifically in M&A, anticipating the regulatory and commercial law developments that will emerge as the media industry continues to consolidate.
What is your golden rule for negotiating?
Negotiate with integrity and respect, and expect the same from the other side. You will cross paths with lawyers and business people again, so build and preserve a good reputation!
If you could be remembered for just one case, which case would that be and why?
I’m privileged to have had a role in two transformative media deals as the in-house M&A lawyer: NBC’s acquisition of Universal and Discovery’s pending acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive. It’s exciting to participate from inception through integration in a transaction that creates such dramatic growth and change in a company.
