Live Nation-Ticketmaster's Dominance Harms Fans, Innovation, Artists, and Venues
The Justice Department and 30 state and district attorneys general have filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC (collectively known as Live Nation-Ticketmaster), accusing them of monopolizing the live entertainment industry. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, aims to restore competition, offer fans better choices at lower prices, and provide more opportunities for artists and venues.
Allegations of Monopolistic Practices
The complaint alleges that Live Nation-Ticketmaster violates Section 2 of the Sherman Act by unlawfully exercising monopoly power. This conduct forces U.S. music fans to use outdated ticketing technology and pay higher prices than international fans. The company's dominance also harms performers, venues, and independent promoters by restricting competition.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "Live Nation uses anticompetitive conduct to control the live events industry at the expense of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators. It's time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster."
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the broader implications: "Our focus on anticompetitive conduct is crucial to protecting consumers, workers, and businesses. This complaint is a step toward making live music more accessible."
Detailed Accusations
The lawsuit details several exclusionary tactics used by Live Nation-Ticketmaster:
- Relationship with Oak View Group: Live Nation-Ticketmaster exploits its relationship with Oak View Group, which avoids competing for artist talent and influences venues to sign exclusive agreements with Ticketmaster.
- Retaliating Against Potential Entrants: The company has threatened financial retaliation against firms attempting to enter the U.S. concert promotions market.
Threatening and Retaliating Against Venues: Venues that choose other promoters or ticketing services risk losing concerts, revenue, and fans.
- Exclusionary Contracts: Long-term exclusive contracts with venues prevent them from considering or choosing rival ticketers, reducing competitive pressure on Live Nation-Ticketmaster.
- Blocking Multiple Ticketers: Exclusive contracts block venues from using multiple ticketing services, stifling competition and innovation.
- Restricting Artists' Access: The company restricts artists' use of critical venues unless they also use Live Nation's promotion services.
-Acquiring Competitors: Live Nation-Ticketmaster has acquired smaller promoters that are identified as competitive threats, undermining competition and affecting artist compensation.
Market Impact
Live Nation Entertainment Inc., based in Beverly Hills, California, is the largest live entertainment company globally, generating over $22 billion annually. It owns or controls more than 265 concert venues in North America. Ticketmaster LLC, headquartered in Beverly Hills, is the largest concert ticketing company in the U.S., significantly outpacing its competitors.
Moving Forward
The Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit seeks to dismantle Live Nation-Ticketmaster's monopoly and restore competitive conditions in the live concert industry, ultimately benefiting fans, artists, and venues nationwide.
