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yesterday

DOJ and FTC Open Public Inquiry Into Live Entertainment Market Practices

Federal agencies invite public comments on anticompetitive conduct in ticketing as part of a broader effort to enforce competition laws and protect consumers under Executive Order 14254.

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An American flag waves outside the U.S. Department of Justice Building in Washington, U.S., December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Al Drago/ File Photo
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Overview

  • The Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission launched a 60-day public comment period to gather input on unfair practices in the live concert and entertainment industry.
  • This inquiry supports the mandates of Executive Order 14254, which directs federal agencies to enforce competition laws and the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.
  • Public comments will inform a joint report recommending regulatory or legislative actions to protect consumers from scalpers, bots, and monopolistic behavior.
  • The DOJ and 40 state attorneys general are concurrently pursuing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for alleged monopolization and anti-competitive practices.
  • Live Nation has disputed the allegations, claiming competition has reduced its market share and that service fees benefit venues rather than the company.