Live Nation illegally monopolized ticketing market, jury finds (bloomberg.com)

Article summary

A jury has found that Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, has illegally monopolized the ticketing market. The jury determined that Ticketmaster had overcharged consumers by $1.72 per ticket. The case was pursued by 30 states, which continued to investigate after the federal government dropped the case. The companies may face penalties and be required to divest themselves of some entities, including venues.

Main themes

• Monopoly and antitrust
• Ticketing market regulation
• Government corruption
• Consumer protection
• Federalism and state power

What commenters say

• The federal government's decision to drop the case against Live Nation was likely due to corruption and undue influence from the company.
• The states' ability to pursue the case independently was crucial in holding Live Nation accountable for its monopolistic practices.
• The $1.72 per ticket overcharge is a negligible amount compared to the actual fees and charges imposed by Ticketmaster, and the case does not go far enough in addressing the issue.
• The US system of government allows for too much political influence over the Department of Justice, leading to unequal justice and favoritism towards powerful corporations.
• European-style tribunals and prosecutorial systems may be more effective in maintaining independence and impartiality in cases like this.
• The practice of charging service fees and convenience fees is a form of robbery and should be regulated or prohibited.
• The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the ticketing industry, as well as stronger antitrust laws to prevent monopolies.