In a recent development in the ongoing investigation into allegations of anti-competitive behavior against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has taken a more assertive stance. According to reports from Bloomberg, the DoJ’s Antitrust Division has issued a new round of ‘information requests’ as part of its inquiry into the practices of the live entertainment and ticketing giant.
Officials within the Antitrust Division have expressed frustration over the slow response from Ticketmaster executives to previous requests for information. This impatience underscores the seriousness with which the DoJ is treating the investigation, which could potentially lead to legal action against Live Nation later this year.
The investigation, which resurfaced last year, focuses on whether Live Nation is leveraging its dominant position in the US live entertainment and ticketing market to the detriment of competitors, artists, and consumers. Additionally, investigators are evaluating Live Nation’s compliance with a consent decree established when Live Nation and Ticketmaster merged in 2010.
The DoJ approved the merger under the condition that Live Nation adheres to the terms of the consent decree, which imposed restrictions on the relationship between Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s venue and tour promotions businesses. Originally intended to be in effect for ten years, the agreement was extended for an additional five years in 2019 following allegations of Live Nation’s breach of the consent decree.
Live Nation has consistently denied all claims of anti-competitive conduct. However, the renewed scrutiny from the DoJ signals a potential escalation in the legal proceedings surrounding one of the most influential entities in the music industry.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders across the music industry will be closely monitoring developments, as the outcome could have significant implications for the landscape of live entertainment and ticketing in the United States.
Photo Credit: DonkeyHotey.
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