Why Ticketmaster and Live Nation Need to Be Broken Up

The transcript discusses the monopoly of Ticketmaster and Live Nation, highlighting their market power and the high fees imposed on consumers. It reviews the historical context of their merger and the Department of Justice's involvement, suggesting that the merger was anticompetitive. The discussion includes potential solutions like divestiture, drawing parallels with past antitrust cases. The political climate is favorable for action, with bipartisan support and increased funding for antitrust enforcement. The transcript emphasizes the need for increased competition in the ticketing industry.

What is one of the main criticisms of Ticketmaster Live Nation's market behavior?

• They have reduced ticket prices significantly.

• They provide free tickets to senators.

• They have used their market power to eliminate competition.

• They have improved customer service.

What historical case is mentioned as a precedent for breaking up monopolies?

• The Microsoft antitrust case

• The AT&T divestiture

• The breakup of Standard Oil

• The dissolution of Enron

What is a potential benefit of breaking up Ticketmaster and Live Nation?

• Reduced competition

• Growth in competition and better consumer outcomes

• Increased ticket prices

• Monopoly control over more venues

What challenge is associated with breaking up a company like Ticketmaster?

• Reducing the number of concerts

• Increasing the number of employees

• Filling the void left by the breakup

• Finding new leadership for the company

What is the current political climate regarding antitrust actions against Ticketmaster?

• There is bipartisan support for antitrust actions.

• There is little interest in pursuing antitrust actions.

• Only one political party supports antitrust actions.

• Antitrust actions are considered unnecessary.

What has Congress done to support antitrust actions?

• Increased the budget for the Antitrust division and FTC

• Decreased the budget for the Antitrust division

• Merged the Antitrust division with another agency

• Eliminated the Antitrust division

What is a significant outcome of Ticketmaster's actions according to Senator Blumenthal?

• It has divided political parties.

• It has united Republicans and Democrats on a single issue.

• It has improved concert experiences.

• It has reduced ticket prices.