The Department of Justice (DOJ) has intensified its investigation into Live Nation and Ticketmaster by issuing new information requests regarding alleged anti-competitive practices.

DOJ's Antitrust Division officials have expressed frustration with Ticketmaster executives' slow response to previous information requests in this ongoing investigation, which could result in legal action against the ticketing company.

The investigation centers on Live Nation's compliance with the consent decree established during the 2010 Ticketmaster merger. This decree, which restricted the relationship between the company's tour promotion and venue businesses, was extended by five years in 2019 following alleged violations.

The investigation gained public attention after Ticketmaster's system failure during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ticket sales in 2022, though the DOJ's probe predates this incident. Senators have accused Live Nation of "egregiously stonewalling" the investigation, while the company maintains that proper confidentiality assurances for sensitive information weren't provided.

While initial reports suggested the DOJ might file a lawsuit by the end of 2023, the extended investigation could now lead to legal action by late 2024. Live Nation continues to deny all allegations of anti-competitive conduct.

Related Articles

Previous Articles