A new bill introduced by an influential California state senator takes aim at Ticketmaster, whose stranglehold on the entertainment industry has long vexed concertgoers with its fees and out-of-control pricing. Time to Tackle the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Turmoil | TechModo Democrat Buffy Wicks, who currently serves as the chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, has introduced legislation that her office says would give event-goers substantially more options when it comes to purchasing tickets for events. Politico, which was first to report on Wicks’s new legislation, describes a policy that would “lift restrictions” on the resale of tickets while creating more options for consumers. Wicks envisions a future scenario more akin to the consumer experience of travel websites, where event-goers have a choice between a variety of different sellers, not just one omnipotent platform. Wicks legislation takes aim at “exclusivity” clauses, which have historically allowed platforms like Ticketmaster to lay claim to venues, barring them from contracting with other ticket sellers that would give consumers options. As some commentators have noted, Ticketmaster’s exclusivity contracts effectively put venues up against a wall, forcing them to accept the company’s draconian terms or risk being unable to book the massive stars that Ticketmaster keeps for itself. Wicks legislation, AB2808, was introduced in the California state legislature in February and would force ticket sellers like Ticketmaster to include an API that allows competing sellers to offer tickets for an event on their own platform. The bill would further make it “unlawful” for a ticketing provider or a venue “to provide [ticketing] services” on an “exclusive or discriminatory basis, as specified,” presumably referring to an exclusive arrangement in which companies like Ticketmaster hog all the ticket sales. The bill would also free up the ticket reseller market, allowing for greater options for consumers. Firms that were found to be in violation of the law’s stipulations would be ordered to pay fines. “We want to make sure that we have competition and choice for consumers so we don’t end up with situations like the Taylor Swift concerts—like ‘Lord of the Flies’ attempts to get tickets,” Wicks told Politico. Ticketmaster has been the de facto place to buy concert and sporting events tickets ever since it completed a $2.5 billion merger with Live Nation, a massive venue operator, in 2010. The merger thrust two industry giants into each other’s arms, thus creating what very much looks like and functions as a monopoly. Some projections estimate that the two companies jointly control 70 percent of the ticketed events market. Although Ticketmaster has been a pestilence on the American concert-goer for years, regulators really only started paying attention after the company massively flubbed the ticket sales for mega pop star
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You know what’s more thrilling than seeing someone hold the crown? Witnessing the lengths the world will go to take it from them. The latest law suit against Live Nation Entertainment Inc and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC, where an astounding number of states (30 state and district attorneys generals to be precise) have joined forces to challenge the dominance of the two entities in the live entertainment industry is a story worth telling. Among others, the multi state coalition of Arizona, California, New York, and Texas spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Justice have united to dismantle the monopolistic practices of Live Nation and Ticketmaster in the areas of artist management, venue operations, and ticket sales. • The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York states how Live Nation and Ticketmaster have more than 400 artists on their client list and control around 60% of concert promotions at major venues across the U.S., with Ticketmaster handling 80% of ticket sales for these venues. • The lawsuit details various anti-competitive strategies, such as long-term exclusive agreements with venues that prevent competition and the acquisition of competitors to eliminate threats. • Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s practices have included using financial threats and inducements to ensure venues and artists align with their services, thereby locking out competitors. • These monopolistic and anti-competitive behaviors have led to higher fees for fans and fewer choices for both fans and artists. • The lawsuit points out that the fees in the U.S. are significantly higher compared to other parts of the world due to the lack of competition. • Live Nation has also been accused of retaliating against venues and artists that do not comply with their terms, which includes steering concerts away from venues that opt for different ticketing services. The plaintiffs seek several remedies to address Live Nation’s monopolistic behavior including a decree that -: Live Nation’s actions in maintaining its monopoly in primary ticketing services and concert promotions are illegal; Nullifying long-term exclusive primary ticketing contracts that unreasonably restrain trade; Prohibiting Live Nation from tying artists’ use of their venues to the purchase of promotional services; Ordering the divestiture of Ticketmaster and other assets to restore competitive conditions; Ending Live Nation’s; and Enjoining Live Nation from engaging in further anti-competitive practices. This story is a fit example of how 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦. So, no matter how powerful a bully may seem, they are never invincible. #law #antitrust #competition #livenation #ticketmaster
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The Justice Department is planning to file an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, for allegedly maintaining a monopoly in the live entertainment industry. The lawsuit, expected to be filed in the Southern District of New York, argues that Live Nation used exclusive ticketing contracts and its dominance in concert tours and venue management to maintain a monopoly that has led to higher prices and fees for consumers. This is not the first time Ticketmaster has come under the scrutiny of the Justice Department. Back in 1994, Pearl Jam filed a complaint against Ticketmaster with the U.S. Department of Justice. Pearl Jam claimed Ticketmaster had a monopoly on ticket distribution due to close connections with concert venues, leaving no other options for artists and fans. Despite the attention the case received, the Department of Justice closed the investigation in 1995 without taking action. The case was dropped because it was challenging to prove Ticketmaster's anti-competitive practices. Ticketmaster had exclusive contracts with venue owners and promoters, and the antitrust division was already overwhelmed with other cases (source: https://lnkd.in/g7tVxsux). Live Nation's influence covers concert promotion, ticketing, artist management, and the operation of numerous venues and festivals worldwide. Ticketmaster alone handles ticketing for 70% to 80% of major U.S. concert venues. Critics, including lawmakers and fans, have accused Live Nation of anti-competitive practices that drive up ticket prices and harm rivals. The Justice Department's latest investigation into Live Nation began in 2022, gaining momentum after a Ticketmaster system crash during Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" presale. David McCabe and Ben Sisario report that this lawsuit is part of a broader effort by regulators to challenge the power of major companies under antitrust laws. Similar cases have been brought against Google, Apple, Amazon, and Meta.
U.S. Plans to Sue Ticketmaster Owner, Accusing It of Defending a Monopoly
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Dusting off my ticketing hat, here's what you should know about Live Nation Entertainment / Ticketmaster getting sued by the government: * The government created this. In 2009, the Justice Department approved a merger that led to...exactly what they're saying happened now. That wasn't really all that long ago, and it was pretty obvious at the time where this would go. The DOJ knew this, made a stern face at both companies and made them promise not to misbehave if they approved the deal. * Breaking up TM and LN won't affect consumers the way you might imagine it will. Neither fees nor ticket prices are driven by TM/LN's "monopoly" power. I could write a whole piece about that, but I've already written that piece a half dozen times over the years so...pass. * A breakup would create changes inside the industry. Some new opportunities will shake loose for smaller competitors. Independent venues might have a little more leverage. The market for paying acts will change in some ways that are a little hard to foresee. * The two parts of the organization probably should be broken up. No good can come of the biggest promoter and one of the biggest venue owners and the biggest ticketing system living under the same roof. If the breakup happens, expect Ticketmaster to grow faster and be more profitable on its own. I'll let you figure that one out yourself. Let's see what happens. https://lnkd.in/gFs2F_BD
Justice Department seeks breakup of Live Nation-Ticketmaster through major antitrust suit
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🤔 As most know, Live Nation is one of the largest entertainment companies in the world, with a significant presence in the live music industry. In 2010, Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster, creating a dominant force in the ticketing and live events industry. Since then, the company has faced allegations of anti-competitive practices and has been the subject of multiple investigations and lawsuits. ⏰ One of the main concerns raised by critics is that Live Nation's dual role as a venue owner/operator and ticket seller/promoter creates a conflict of interest and limits competition. The company has been accused of using its market power to secure exclusive deals with venues and artists and to block competitors from entering the market. ⚖ The Taylor Swift ticketing fiasco in 2020 further intensified scrutiny on Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Swift criticized the companies for using controversial ticketing practices, which allegedly allowed scalpers to profit at the expense of fans. This led to a wave of lawsuits and calls for a formal investigation into the merger. 🔎The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been actively investigating Live Nation and Ticketmaster over the past few years. The focus of the investigation is to determine whether the companies engage in anti-competitive agreements with venues and artists. The DOJ has sent document retention letters to talent agencies involved in contracts between artists and promoters, seeking information on any restrictions in the deals offered by Live Nation. 💔 While Live Nation has downplayed the scale of the investigation, critics argue that the company's dominant position in the industry stifles competition and results in higher fees for consumers. Some industry insiders and lawmakers have called for the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster to restore competition in the ticketing and live events industry. 📒 It is important to note that while investigations are ongoing, no formal charges or lawsuits have been filed against Live Nation or Ticketmaster at this time. The outcome of the DOJ's probe and the potential implications for the company's business practices remain uncertain. 📎Read more at Ticket News below ⤵ 🛡 In these uncertain times - TicketMint provides the #framework needed to solve the #painpoints in today’s #ticketing #industry; by offering #transparent #pricing, #promoting #fair #competition, adhering to #ethical #businesspractices, implementing #secure #datamanagement, and prioritizing a #consumercentric approach. 🤙 Contact us at TicketMint to learn how to add a layer of assurance to your next event. #consumerprotection #bureauofconsumerprotection #entertainmentindustry #venues #artists #promoters #legislators #regulators #DOJ #decisionmakers #blockchaintechnology #ticketingsystem #ticketing #solution - SmartLedger - The World's Leading Blockchain Distribution Channel & 4chain studio
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Live Nation break up with Ticketmaster could be the first step towards more innovation in the ticketing industry 🔖 The U.S. Department of Justice filed a competition lawsuit against entertainment giant Live Nation, alleging that the company holds a "monopoly" over the U.S. entertainment market. The lawsuit reportedly focuses on Ticketmaster's practice of using exclusive ticketing contracts with venues, which critics argue stifles competition, limits customer choice, and drives up prices. This comes along with the new legislation in the US, UK, and Australia requiring event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price upfront, including all fees. This may compel ticketing companies to lower some of their fees to remain competitive, eventually resulting in revenue losses. In response, these companies will need to explore new ways to differentiate themselves and secure new deals. One strategy is to offer promoters and clients resale platforms, allowing them to control both primary and secondary markets and capture extra revenue that currently goes to unauthorized resellers. However, in light of the recent case, implementing this approach may prove challenging. Controlling both markets can lead to unethical practices, such as placing a percentage of tickets directly on the secondary market to capitalize on higher earnings. This may raise red flags to regulators who might try to stop such behavior. This could open the door for 3rd party white-label resale platforms who could cover the functionality for the ticketing companies while seamlessly integrating. However, to really fully stop illegal reselling, providers would need to use technology that substitutes classic tokens which can be easily exchanged. Biometrics could give a helping hand. The vision would be to link 1 face with exactly 1 ticket, disabling bots and companies like Viagogo from buying thousands of tickets. Having this would bring the added value and necessary differentiation for the ticketing firms. What about the collaborative outcome? ✅Fans would benefit from fair market prices ✅More genuine transactions would occur on the primary ticket market ✅Fans would have the flexibility to free their tickets ✅Every transaction would be under the control of the ticketing company, reducing fraud ✅Ticketing firms would bring promoters more revenues, making the company a valuable partner So the main idea is for ticketing firms to implement technologies that will make them stand out and deliver unprecedented value to its customers that leads to higher profits. And collaboration with white-label resale platform providers that use biometrics could be that necessary step. #FaceTicket #Reselling #Ticketing #RevenueOptimization
Justice Department Sues Live Nation-Ticketmaster for Monopolizing Markets Across the Live Concert Industry
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Most of us have bought tickets to some event, be it a concert, movie, or just a local talk. It's safe to say that we have all experienced that frustration with particular ticketing platforms that charge outrageous fees, nearly rivaling the cost of the base ticket itself. They will go to great lengths to buy out top venues (and if they can't buy them out, they'll make exclusive ticketing agreements) where top shows need to perform and charge those high fees to customers, knowing that the shows will likely sell very well (and many cases, sell out) raking in the money. Today, the United States Department of Justice and 30 state and district attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation. They identified several monopolistic practices that have stifled competition that could bring better experiences and pricing to customers and artists. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next several years. Let's hope this helps everyone in the industry, as we have been fueling record profits for these two companies with difficult ways around their systems and practices. How have you been affected by high ticket fees and ticketing systems that make the purchasing experience inconvenient? https://lnkd.in/gJKg6YT9
Justice Department Sues Live Nation-Ticketmaster for Monopolizing Markets Across the Live Concert Industry
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The Department of Justice and 29 states plus the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against Live Nation, LLC and Ticketmaster, LLC calling for the court to break up the conglomerate. The reason? The parties claim that the combined companies exert monopolistic control over the markets in which they operate. A monopoly occurs when an entity is able to exert an unreasonable restraint on competition in a market. In 2010 when I worked with antitrust counsel to oppose the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster that created the conglomerate, I think the Department of Justice had a difficult time understanding the market. I tried to explain to them how ticketing and concert promotion are conjoined markets, and that the combination of the two companies would result in a monopoly. They didn't get it. It did not seem to matter to the DOJ attorneys that Live Nation had been developing their own ticketing solution which would have been competitive to Ticketmaster. Live Nation gave up the process and decided it was easier to join forces with Ticketmaster! Fast forward 14 years, and this Department of Justice team gets it. The lawsuit clearly defines three markets in which the combined companies have "suffocate[d] competition, and inhibit[ed] the evolution of the live music industry" that a free market would support. The three primary markets in which the DOJ has identified significant anticompetitive conduct are: 1) Primary Ticketing Services Markets impacting venues and fans; 2) Concert Promotion Services Markets for major venues impacting concert venues and artists; and 3) Large Amphitheaters impacting artists. Significantly, the complaint focuses on concert promotion for "major venues" and "large amphitheaters" because the market for such services and venues is distinguishable from the market for small clubs and venues. Most musical talent will not graduate from the local clubs and Live Nation serves as a gatekeeper for those who do. The complaint lays out significant claims that Live Nation and Ticketmaster exert market power to foreclose on competition as well as make indirect and direct threats to impede potential rivals' progress in the markets. The examples of anti-competitive behavior include: 1) colluding with a rival that was created by a former executive of Live Nation to avoid directly competing for opportunities; 2) threatening venues that did not accept their terms that future opportunities might be at risk; and 3) denying opportunities to artists that are not managed or promoted by Live Nation. I will do a deeper dive into the complaint and the allegations the DOJ and states are making in a video soon. I am curious about what you think about the claim that Live Nation is a monopoly. Let me know in the comments! #monopoly #notagame #livenation #ticketmaster #music #concerts #collusion
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New Bill in California Aims to Force Ticketmaster to Play Nice With Others A caller measure introduced by an influential California authorities legislator takes purpose astatine Ticketmaster, whose stranglehold connected the amusement manufacture has agelong vexed concertgoers with its fees and out-of-control pricing. Time to Tackle the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Turmoil | TechModo Democrat Buffy Wicks, who presently serves arsenic the seat of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, has introduced authorities that her bureau says would springiness event-goers substantially much options erstwhile it comes to purchasing tickets for events. Politico, which was first to report connected Wicks’s new legislation, describes a argumentation that would “lift restrictions” connected the resale of tickets portion creating much options for consumers. Wicks envisions a aboriginal script much akin to the user acquisition of question websites, wherever event-goers person a prime betwixt a assortment of antithetic sellers, not conscionable 1 omnipotent platform. Wicks authorities takes purpose astatine “exclusivity” clauses, which person historically allowed platforms similar Ticketmaster to laic assertion to venues, barring them from contracting with different summons sellers that would springiness consumers options. As immoderate commentators have noted, Ticketmaster’s exclusivity contracts efficaciously enactment venues up against a wall, forcing them to judge the company’s draconian presumption oregon hazard being incapable to publication the monolithic stars that Ticketmaster keeps for itself. Wicks legislation, AB2808, was introduced successful the California authorities legislature successful February and would unit summons sellers similar Ticketmaster to see an API that allows competing sellers to connection tickets for an lawsuit connected their ain platform. The measure would further marque it “unlawful” for a ticketing supplier oregon a venue “to supply [ticketing] services” connected an “exclusive oregon discriminatory basis, arsenic specified,” presumably referring to an exclusive statement successful which companies similar Ticketmaster hog each the summons sales. The measure would besides escaped up the summons reseller market, allowing for greater options for consumers. Firms that were recovered to beryllium successful usurpation of the law’s stipulations would beryllium ordered to wage fines. “We privation to marque definite that we person contention and prime for consumers truthful we don’t extremity up with situations similar the Taylor Swift concerts—like ‘Lord of the Flies’ attempts to get tickets,” Wicks told Politico. Ticketmaster has been the de facto spot to bargain performance and sporting events tickets ever since it completed a $2.5 cardinal merger with Live Nation, a monolithic...
New Bill in California Aims to Force Ticketmaster to Play Nice With Others A caller measure introduced by an influential California authorities legislator takes purpose astatine Ticketmaster, whose stranglehold connected the amusement manufacture has agelong vexed concertgoers with its fees and out-of-control pricing. Time to Tackle the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Turmoil | TechM...
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The US Justice Department and 30 state attorneys are suing Live Nation and Ticketmaster for monopolising the live entertainment industry. I remember learning about monopolies in my A-Levels. They’re unethical and unlawful, yet they continue to exist and are the major contributors to inequity and stifled competition. ⛔ Now, the US DoJ, led by Merrick Garland, is suing Ticketmaster and Live Nation for high ticket fees and debit-inducing contracts that entrap artists. They aim to bring back competition, give fans better options at lower prices, and support musicians. 🎤 When Lauryn Hill played her first UK gig in 20 years, I bought tickets from Viagogo which currently monpolises the ticketing resale platforms over here. I paid £125 each for 2 tickets, even though I could barely afford it. Original tickets at the O2 are usually £50 each. 💸 The tickets were real, but security warned me never to buy from Viagogo again because it hurts the music venue industry. Monopolies like Ticketmaster rely on artists to draw crowds but lock them out of profits from parking, food, and drinks at venues. 🍿 Breaking up Ticketmaster and Live Nation will have big impacts not just in the US, but also here in Europe where we are seeing the "Americanisation of concert going" too, e.g. Stadium concerts. - More Competition and Innovation 🚀 Breaking up a monopoly lets new companies enter the market, creating competition. I'm interested to see what better ticketing platforms and technologies like block chain will do for ticket security. - Profitable Choices for Consumers, Artists and Venues alike! 🤝🏾 📈 Currently Ticketmaster and Live Nation not only monopolise ticketing platforms but also venues, using mafia like retaliation tactics on artists or venues who do not agree to their contracts and fees. - Lower Prices 💸💸 More companies mean lower fees, making events more affordable. Companies might use flexible pricing models to attract different customers, offering more affordable options for everyone. - Accountability and setting presedence 👩🏽⚖️ ⚖️ Breaking up a monopoly like Ticketmaster will increase awareness of unlawful practises which could optimistically see other monopolies finally being dismantled for the sake of fair competition and diversity. In the meantime, get yourself on DICE and do your best to support local venues and artists this year! 😎 🎶 Consumer spending is the most influential and powerful ways to influence the economy! 🤑 Supporting local and small venues is crucial.💃🏽 These places often offer unique experiences and help foster new talent. 🎤 By choosing to attend events at these venues, we can help them thrive and keep the music scene diverse and exciting. 🎸 #FreeMarket #LiveEvents #FairCompetition #Tech #News #Product #Blockchain #IntheMedia
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The US government did not mince words yesterday: Live Nation and Ticketmaster need to split. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and 30 state and district attorneys general sued Live Nation, which refers to itself as the “largest live entertainment company in the world,” lodging a 120-page complaint that it purposefully stifles competition, hurts consumers, and unfairly jacks up ticket prices. The suit alleges that Live Nation threatened to retaliate against venues that didn’t use its ticketing service and that artists who don’t use Live Nation’s tour promo services can’t perform at any of its venues. The DOJ said the company controls over 70% of ticket sales at major concert venues in the country. Plus, Live Nation controls 265 venues in North America and 60 of the top 100 amphitheaters in the US. “This is a travesty!” Cried the Justice Department, which allowed the merger to happen 14 years ago. Industry pros had begged the DOJ to prevent Live Nation from buying Ticketmaster, warning of the same concerns the DOJ now cites in seeking to break them up. Then came Taylor Swift… The Eras Tour’s ticket-buying process was such a mess that a bipartisan group of senators brought Live Nation execs to Capitol Hill last year to grill them on the company’s practices. The DOJ’s investigation was announced shortly after the Swiftie debacle, though the agency claimed it had already been investigating the company. Live Nation called the lawsuit “baseless.” In a company blog post, an executive claimed that the suit ignores price factors like artists’ popularity and scalpers. The post also says that Live Nation’s net profit margin was only 1.4% last year, too low to indicate a monopoly. A long road ahead…the whole thing is expected to take years to move through the courts, especially since the suit requests a jury trial (which is unusual for this type of case).—MM https://lnkd.in/eesSYA8b
DOJ sues Live Nation to break up the entertainment behemoth
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