Nevada, other states to continue Live Nation antitrust case after DOJ settlement
Nevada and over two dozen other states will proceed with their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation despite a settlement reached between the company and the DOJ.Summary
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford announced that Nevada, along with 26 other states and the District of Columbia, will continue their antitrust case against Live Nation, parent company of Ticketmaster, despite the U.S. Justice Department reaching a settlement with the entertainment giant. Ford stated the DOJ settlement is inadequate and the multi-state case remains strong. The states allege Live Nation has monopolized the ticketing market, increasing ticket prices and stifling competition.
The settlement between Live Nation and the DOJ requires Ticketmaster to unwind some exclusivity agreements and pay $280 million in civil penalties, while also allowing third-party ticketing companies to utilize its technology. However, the coalition of states' attorneys general believe this does not sufficiently address the harm caused to consumers and the live music market.
The states are committed to holding Live Nation accountable for its alleged illegal behavior and restoring competition to the live music marketplace, proceeding with the litigation independently of the federal government. They argue that Live Nation has “raked in billions from a monopoly” that has negatively impacted both consumers and artists.
(Source：Ksnv)