In brief
In a high-stakes antitrust trial, 34 states are accusing Live Nation Entertainment and its ticketing subsidiary, Ticketmaster, of monopolizing the concert industry, which they argue has inflated ticket prices. The jury in Manhattan has begun deliberations, with the states claiming Live Nation controls a whopping 86% of the concert market. Live Nation counters that the competitive landscape is thriving, emphasizing that achieving market dominance does not equate to illegality under U.S. antitrust laws.
NEW YORK (AP) — Jury deliberations began Friday in an antitrust case pitting 34 states against the concert giant Live Nation Entertainment. The states argue in the civil case that the company and its ticketing arm, Ticketmaster, are monopolizing the industry and driving up prices to see live music.Live Nation contends there is more competition than ever, and the company plays fair amid a booming concert business in the U.S. As soon as the jury started deliberating, they signaled to the judge their wish to revisit specific testimony from the five-week trial.Following a settlement between the federal government and Live Nation last month, which yielded important concessions particularly regarding ticket sales at the company’s amphitheaters, the states have continued their pursuit of justice. An attorney representing the states stated during closing arguments that Live Nation holds an astonishing 86% control over the concert ticket market, tightening its grip to 73% when including sports events.In defense, Live Nation’s counsel acknowledged the company’s dominant status but asserted, “success is not against the antitrust laws in the United States.”
