NICHOLE ROGERS
New York,NY
Summary
Accomplished Business & Legal Affairs executive specializing in content licensing and rights management. Streamlined workflows and implemented contract management systems that enhanced operational efficiency by 15%, while leading a team that successfully executed thousands of complex agreements, ensuring compliance and maximizing business value.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs and Sales Operations
PARAMOUNT GLOBAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION GROUP / VIACOMCBS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL / PARAMOUNT INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
New York, NY
10.2012 - 08.2023
- Led Business & Legal Affairs and Sales Operations supporting the worldwide licensing and distribution of television content to third-party broadcasters and streaming platforms.
- Led a legal team responsible for drafting, negotiating, and executing approximately 4,500 standalone agreements and amendments annually for the licensing of Viacom-branded television content to 300+ third-party U.S. and international broadcasters and streaming licensees, supporting $200M+ in annual revenue.
- Negotiated and managed a high volume of complex content licensing transactions, balancing commercial objectives, rights availability, contractual obligations, and legal risk.
- Partnered closely with Sales and international business teams to structure transactions, resolve contractual issues, interpret rights, and move deals efficiently from negotiation through execution.
- Advised business teams on content rights, contractual terms, rights availability, and licensing opportunities across international markets to enhance deal-making efficiency.
- Identified and captured previously untapped revenue opportunities, generating approximately $3M in additional annual program sales revenue through recovery of copyright royalties associated with legacy Viacom brands worldwide.
- Increased sales-team productivity by approximately 20% by centralizing deal management and improving legal and operational workflows.
- Built and developed a high-performing legal and operations organization, growing the team from 5 to 14 professionals.
Project Lead, International Media Networks Rights-Out System
PARAMOUNT GLOBAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION GROUP / VIACOMCBS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL / PARAMOUNT INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
New York, NY
04.2016 - 08.2023
- Spearheaded the sourcing, development, and implementation of a global Rights Management System supporting content sales and rights administration.
- Directed the capture and management of contractual terms for approximately 2,200 active third-party and intercompany content licensing agreements, representing approximately $160M in revenue.
- Led the development and management of the division's rights and contract management system while maintaining Vice President responsibilities.
- Oversaw agreements covering affiliate, linear, non-linear, VOD, format, pre-buy, studio, and co-production transactions.
- Developed processes for accurate and timely capture of contractual rights, restrictions, windows, territories, platforms, delivery requirements, and availability.
- Collaborated with international teams across UK, Asia, and Americas, integrating efforts with Business Affairs, Technology, Strategy, and other corporate functions.
- Regularly briefed senior management on project status, contractual-rights issues, business implications, and recommendations.
Senior Director, Contract Management
MTV Networks International Legal Affairs
01.2007 - 09.2012
- Led contract management supporting MTV Networks International's content licensing business and annual revenue objectives exceeding $40M.
- Negotiated, drafted, and executed television content licensing agreements and related contractual documentation, ensuring compliance and alignment with business objectives.
- Streamlined legal contracting process, enhancing turnaround times and improving workflows and coordination between Legal and content licensing organization.
- Advised business teams on rights and contractual requirements, resolving issues during licensing process to facilitate smooth operations.
Director, Contract Management
MTV Networks International Legal Affairs
05.2004 - 12.2006
- Led New York-based MTV Networks International Business & Legal Affairs Contract Management team to support contract execution and compliance.
- Drafted, negotiated, and executed third-party television content agreements, including program and format licenses for MTV Networks International.
- Advised MTV Networks International clients on strategic rights and contracts while liaising with international content organization to ensure alignment of goals.
- Collaborated with business stakeholders to facilitate transactions and address contractual and rights-related issues, ensuring timely resolution.
Legal Assistant / Manager
MTV Networks International Business & Legal Affairs
05.1999 - 05.2004
- Drafted legal documents and contracts for international business transactions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Assisted attorneys with case preparation and research on legal precedents.
- Managed confidential files and organized legal documentation systems, improving accessibility and retrieval of critical information.
- Supported international television content licensing and business & legal affairs organization, taking on increased responsibilities to enhance operational efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Language & Literature
Smith College
Northampton, MASummer Program -
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NYSkills
- Workflow Enhancement
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Rights management
- Contract Management
- Contract review
- Legal compliance
- Effective communication
- Broadcaster deals
- Content distribution
- VOD licensing
- Format licensing
- Territorial Rights
- Rights analysis
- Business & Legal Affairs
- Stakeholder management
- Contract Lifecycle Management
- Risk management
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Strategic Partnerships
- Business strategy
- Content Management System
- Workflow Enhancement
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Client Relationship Management
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Business strategy
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Stakeholder management
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Workflow Enhancement
Personal Information
Title: TELEVISION CONTENT LICENSING | BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS | CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
Affiliations
- ViacomCBS International Leadership Program — Selected for executive management development program; London, 2019–2020
- ViacomCBS Networks International Diversity Council, Career & Personal Development Committee — 2020–2022
- MTV Networks International Business & Legal Affairs Diversity Council — 2003–2004
- MTV Networks Business & Legal Affairs Diversity Council — 2005–2008
- ViacomCBS International Mentoring Program — Mentor/participant, 2010, 2016, 2019
Timeline
Project Lead, International Media Networks Rights-Out System
PARAMOUNT GLOBAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION GROUP / VIACOMCBS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL / PARAMOUNT INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
04.2016 - 08.2023
Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs and Sales Operations
PARAMOUNT GLOBAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION GROUP / VIACOMCBS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL / PARAMOUNT INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
10.2012 - 08.2023
Senior Director, Contract Management
MTV Networks International Legal Affairs
01.2007 - 09.2012
Director, Contract Management
MTV Networks International Legal Affairs
05.2004 - 12.2006
Legal Assistant / Manager
MTV Networks International Business & Legal Affairs
05.1999 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Arts - English Language & Literature
Smith College
Summer Program -
Vassar College