The Town with Matthew Belloni Everyone Hates Ticketmaster, but Is It a Monopoly?
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May 24, 2024 Legal expert Eriq Gardner and host Matt discuss the U.S. government's monopoly lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation. They explore the history of the merger, why concert prices may not go down post-split, impact on secondary markets, and what a divided Ticketmaster–Live Nation might entail.
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Ticketmaster-Live Nation Monopoly
- Ticketmaster and Live Nation's merger created a dominant vertical integration controlling venues and ticketing.
- This monopoly-like control fuels much of the dissatisfaction with ticketing despite mixed causes of high prices.
Government's Monopoly Allegations
- The government alleges Live Nation coerces venues and artists to use its services exclusively.
- This coercion and anti-competitive behavior supports the argument for breaking up the company.
High Prices Aren't Just Ticketmaster's Fault
- High ticket prices result largely from artist pricing and market demand, not solely from Ticketmaster's fees.
- Breaking up Ticketmaster may not reduce prices as other underlying factors influence costs.