State attorneys general have resumed the antitrust trial against Live Nation, despite the company’s recent settlement with the Department of Justice. The settlement requires Live Nation to change certain practices, such as capping ticketing fees and relaxing exclusivity policies, but does not require the company to divest Ticketmaster. However, many states, including New York and California, are still pushing for a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, citing concerns over the company’s alleged stifling of competition in the live music industry.
The states have received support from Senate Democrats, who released a report criticizing the DOJ’s settlement as inadequate. The report, which followed a three-year investigation, claims that Ticketmaster’s monopoly is responsible for rising concert ticket prices. With 26 states and the District of Columbia proceeding with the trial, the jury is expected to hear testimony for several more weeks, with AEG Presents CEO Jay Marciano and Live Nation’s president of U.S. concerts, Bob Roux, already taking the stand.
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