The Indicator from Planet Money Are concert tickets UNDER priced?
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Oct 23, 2025 Concert ticket pricing is under scrutiny as Ticketmaster's CEO claims they're undervalued. The impact of bots hoarding tickets and the struggles of small venues are highlighted. Economist Alan Sorensen discusses how the secondary market springs up to correct pricing issues. Maine's new law, aimed at regulating ticket sales, is explored, including its effects on local venues and the potential relocation of bots to states with fewer restrictions. It's a deep dive into the complexities of concert ticket sales!
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Musician's Promise To Keep Tickets Affordable
- Molly Obamsuin remembers vowing never to charge more than $150 to keep concerts accessible to lower-income fans.
- She worries high prices curate audiences by income and limit who can attend live shows.
CEO Says Tickets Are Underpriced
- Live Nation CEO Michael Rapinoe said concert tickets are underpriced and have been for a long time.
- That claim clashes with fans' experience of rapidly rising ticket costs and outrage over affordability.
Venue Operator's Bot Detection Routine
- Lauren Wayne describes spotting bots by spec tickets appearing before sales and huge overnight purchases.
- Her venue must manually void bot purchases and refund buyers to restore inventory.