DOCSLIB.ORG

Live Domination?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Live Domination? PG. 16 NIELSEN’S 2019 REPORTM PG. 18 SAVINGarket AUSTRALIA PG. 20 CASEY MCGRATH’S WILD NIGHTS Live Domination? After an 18-month investigation, the Justice Department settlement with Live Nation over its consent decree ended up leaving the concert giant stronger than ever BY DAVE BROOKS N DEC. 20, 2019, THE venues that didn’t use its ticketing disrupt the company’s year-over-year calling the settlement an “unequivo- U.S. Department of service or made threats to withhold growth. But the settlement calmed cal victory” for Live Nation presi- O Justice released the terms content. But the law didn’t prevent those waters. dent/CEO Michael Rapino. of its settlement with Live Nation from bundling concerts Congress could still enact legis- Today, Live Nation’s stock price is Live Nation. It found five separate with ticketing deals or giving prefer- lation to curb Live Nation’s domi- 700% higher than it was before the instances in which the concert ence to venues that use Ticketmaster, nance, but that is unlikely in today’s Ticketmaster acquisition in 2010. Ac- promoter allegedly violated the taking advantage of what Congress- political climate. Delrahim is one of cording to a 2018 New York Times re- terms of the consent decree govern- man Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., called a the few individuals in Washington port, Live Nation/Ticketmaster holds ing its 2010 merger with Ticketmas- significant “loophole” in the decree. who can unilaterally take action 80% of the total ticketing market ter, paving the way for a possible Amid pressure to address antitrust against Live Nation, and share in North America. federal lawsuit against the company. issues around giant tech companies news that his ofce settled “We were disap- But instead of suing Live Nation, like Amazon and Facebook, the DOJ its diferences with Live 8K pointed,” says Chris assistant attorney general for the declared victory, calling the Live Na- Nation means one of the VanDeHoef, president antitrust division Makan Delrahim tion settlement the most “significant conglomerate’s largest po- of Fan Freedom, a trade announced he reached a settle- enforcement action” of a decree in 20 tential liabilities has been NUMBER OF organization funded by ment with Live Nation. The consent years. Concerns about a DOJ inves- resolved for now. CONTRACTS StubHub, adding: “It’s TICKETMASTER decree would be extended five more tigation or lawsuit had whiplashed “It means business SAYS IT RENEWED obvious [Live Nation/ years and Live Nation would face the company’s stock, with investors as usual,” says Jeferies UNDER THE Ticketmaster] is a mo- stifer penalties if it retaliated against worried a government probe would equity analyst Khoa Ngo, CONSENT DECREE. nopoly that controls the VIVENDI SOLD 10% OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP TO TENCENT HOLDINGS. INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M UPPED GARY KELLY TO CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER/GLOBAL HEAD OF STREAMING AND STRATEGY. ILLUSTRATION BY REMIE GEOFFROI JANUARY 11, 2020 • WWW.BILLBOARD.COM 1 3 venues and the artist ticketing — so the DOJ’s eight clarifications to the we were hoping that the Justice De- original agreement and five-year partment would actually sink some extension, Live Nation is more power- teeth into this, since Live Nation has ful than ever. Last year, Live Nation been violating the consent decree posted a record $272 million in profit from day one. But as quickly as the and nearly $10.8 billion in revenue. DOJ announced the investigation, The company enters the new decade Live Nation announced a settlement with a $15 billion market cap and $1.8 on it. I don’t blame Live Nation or billion in cash on hand. Ticketmaster for moving in that The consent decree also sought direction — that’s the smart thing to to “re-create the exact dynamic that do — and maybe moving forward, the Live Nation had itself produced by in- Can The Carlyle DOJ will actually make them stick to tegrating into ticketing in 2009 when the terms of the consent decree. But the company had attempted and Group Shake It Of? I don’t have a ton of faith.” failed to launch a competitor to Tick- TAYLOR SWIFT MAY NOT SCARE PRIVATE EQUITY — Negotiated between former assis- etmaster,” said Varney during a 2010 BUT HER OUTRAGE COULD SHAPE FUTURE DEALS tant attorney general for the depart- speech at South by Southwest laying ment’s antitrust division Christine out her department’s thinking behind BY GLENN PEOPLES Varney, Rapino and Live Nation’s the merger. With Live Nation opting lawyers, the original consent decree to merge with Ticketmaster instead of N HER SONG “BLANK investors are funding the growth sought to prevent Live Nation from spending more on its failed ticketing Space,” Taylor Swift sings the of midsize publishing companies. punishing or retaliating against system, DOJ lawyers decided to prop line, “I’m a nightmare dressed Music publisher Primary Wave’s venues (by withholding concerts and up competing major promoter AEG to like a daydream” — a fact multiyear spending spree was tours) if those venues used a compet- “go head to head with Ticketmaster in Ithe new owners of her recordings helped by $75 million each from ing ticketer (like Ticketfly). Live Na- primary ticketing” by requiring Tick- are learning the hard way as she the retirement system of the tion was, however, permitted to give etmaster to license its technology to uses her pulpit to warn the music State of Florida and the City and preference to venues that worked AEG until the company could create a industry of “potentially harmful” County of San Francisco. And with Ticketmaster. This language competitive product. private-equity companies. Ariana Grande’s hit “7 Rings” pays created the so-called “loophole,” giv- The result was AXS, now one of The object of her scorn: Ithaca publishing royalties to the Concord ing Live Nation the latitude to with- the larger ticketing companies in live Holdings chief executive Scooter Music-owned “My Favorite Things” hold concerts from non-Ticketmaster entertainment. Instead of building Braun, who bought her former by Rodgers & Hammerstein — venues and potentially pressure of its right to license Ticketmaster’s label, Big Machine, for $300 million and to the Michigan Retirement venues to use Ticketmaster. technology for five years under the with fnancing from private-equity Systems’ pension fund that owns In August 2019, Sens. Amy Klobu- original 2010 consent decree, AEG companies including The Carlyle 90% of Concord. char, D-Minn., and Richard Blumen- tried to create its own system through Group and other parties. Sources say that Swift could thal, D-N.J., sent a letter to the DOJ, a series of mergers that created a Her criticism of private equity have at least bid on her catalog calling the consent decree “inefec- three-way ownership structure with highlights the sector’s percolating using alternative fnancing. If she tive” amid “disturbing reports that TPG Capital and Dan Gilbert’s Rock- interest in publishing and recorded- had borrowed against her catalog Live Nation has flouted its condi- bridge Growth Equity. music rights, now spurred by a fast- of recordings, she could have tions” and left the company largely Antitrust attorney Richard Ham- growing music business and low retained ownership of her masters unchallenged. Those comments ilton, who used to work for the DOJ, interest rates that are driving record and licensed them to a record probably won’t afect the company believes Delrahim deserves credit for amounts of money to private mar- label for distribution, marketing now. “Politicians tweeting about strengthening the decree and adding kets. In 2018, private-equity frms and promotion. 23 Capital, one their unhappiness with Live Nation severe penalties for future violations. invested $1.4 trillion overall, slightly of the frms Swift has called out, and Ticketmaster are a ‘headline Says Hamilton, “[The Justice Depart- higher than prerecession levels and provides this type of fnancing for risk’ for the company,” says Ngo. “Not ment] is making it clear that it doesn’t up 75% over the previous fve years, companies such as Vice Media. So a long-term risk.” matter that only a very small percent- according to a 2019 McKinsey & does Vine Alternative Investments, Sources believe that following age of businesses felt threatened.” Company report. whose flm and music clients have But is private equity as del- nontraditional options “that can eterious as Swift claims? On the supplement senior bank loans,” contrary: Barry Massarsky, head says partner Rob Amir. of Massarsky Consulting and an Big Machine doesn’t need expert in valuing songwriting and Swift’s permission to rerelease MARKET WATCH recording catalogs, says the “ferce albums or greatest-hits compila- acquisitions market” is actually a tions, though as a songwriter with boon for creators that leaves them full or partial rights, she can veto “in a very comfortable position.” potential synch licenses for TV, flm 21.86B 12.83M 1.147T Using private equity to fund and ads. That could diminish the music deals is still rare, but it’s also value of her recordings to some 10.8% 19.2% 29.3% not entirely new. Such frms backed extent, especially as Swift has said the acquisitions of Warner Music she plans to rerecord her entire TOTAL ON-DEMAND ALBUM CONSUMPTION TOTAL ON-DEMAND STREAMS WEEK UNITS WEEK OVER WEEK STREAMS YEAR Group in 2003 (by Thomas H. catalog. So the lesson for future Lee, Bain Capital and Providence investors is that an artist’s catalog OVER WEEK Album sales plus track-equivalent OVER YEAR TO DATE Number of audio and albums plus audio streaming- Number of audio and video Equity Partners) and EMI Music — generally viewed as a stable video on-demand streams for equivalent albums for the streams for the past 52 weeks in 2007 (by Terra Firma), although asset — may be less valuable when the week ending Jan.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Garbage & the Temper Trap Join for Next Winery Series!
    Media Release – Thursday July 28 GARBAGE & THE TEMPER TRAP JOIN FOR NEXT WINERY SERIES! With the Preatures, Tash Sultana and Adalita a day on the green has assembled an epic line-up for its next series of winery concerts. Alt-rock pioneers Garbage and Australia’s own multi-platinum chart toppers The Temper Trap will come together as part of their respective national tours for five outdoor events through November/December. The concerts will feature a stellar under-card with special guests The Preatures, Tash Sultana and Adalita. The five band bill kicks off at Victoria’s Rochford Wines on Saturday November 26. These will be the Garbage’s first Australian shows since 2013 and celebrate their acclaimed sixth studio album Strange Little Birds (out now via Liberator Music). To create Strange Little Birds, their first album in four years, Garbage (Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig) drew on a variety of influences including the albums they loved growing up. Upon its June release, the album debuted at #9 on the ARIA Album Chart and picked up widespread acclaim: ‘20-plus years after forming, each band member is still fired up to mine new sounds and approaches for inspiration. That willingness to be uncomfortable and look beneath the surface makes Strange Little Birds a rousing success.’ – The A.V. Club ‘The electronic rockers return with a sixth studio album as cool and caustic as their 1995 debut’ – NME ‘Garbage haven’t released an album this immediate, melodically strong and thematically interesting since their self-titled 1995 debut.’ – Mojo In support of the album’s release, Garbage performed a powerful two-song performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! – watch ‘Empty’ here and ‘Push It’ here.
    [Show full text]
  • Country Star Brantley Gilbert Brings “Let It Ride Tour” to KFC Yum! Center on April 18
    Country Star Brantley Gilbert Brings “Let it Ride Tour” to KFC Yum! Center on April 18 Tickets On Sale Friday, February 21 at 10AM Contact: Sandra Kendall Deanna Southerling Marketing Director Marketing /Social Media Specialist (502) 991-1546 (502) 690-9014 Louisville, KY (February 17, 2014) – Brantley Gilbert is kicking off 2014 in high gear with new music and a headline tour that will come to the KFC Yum! Center on Friday, April 18 with special guests Thomas Rhett and Eric Paslay. Tickets will go on sale Friday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the KFC Yum! Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Brantley Gilbert’s new single "Bottoms Up" recently hit country radio and is the first new music the Georgia native has produced for his loyal BG Nation fans in over four years. The lead single from Brantley's forthcoming album on The Valory Music Co. was made available in late December and quickly shot up the iTunes charts peaking at #1 on the Country Singles Chart and #8 All Genres. Coinciding with the single release, fans were also able to purchase the accompanying video, which was shot in Nashville and flashes from 1930’s vintage to modern day party scenes. Directed by CMA Award-winning Shane Drake, the video has already garnered over 1.2 million views on VEVO. Watch here. The Country rocker will preview additional new material during his 22-city LET IT RIDE TOUR, beginning 3/27 with special guests Thomas Rhett and Eric Paslay.
    [Show full text]
  • Amazon Looking to Sell Sports, Music Tickets and Encroach on Ticketmaster 11 August 2017, by Mike Snider, Usa Today
    Report: Amazon looking to sell sports, music tickets and encroach on Ticketmaster 11 August 2017, by Mike Snider, Usa Today Live Nation earlier this week reported $2.8 billion in revenue for its second-quarter, which ended June 30. That up 27% over the $2.2 billion in the same period last year. Amazon has several jobs listed online for its Amazon Tickets, including a project manager for "Earth's most customer-centric ticketing company, a place where event-goers can come to find and discover any ticket they might want to buy online." Selling tickets could drive Amazon Prime memberships and bundled merchandise sales, according to the report. Amazon is reportedly in talks with sports and concert venues to sell tickets, a move that could Amazon and Live Nation declined to comment on challenge Ticketmaster's dominance in the the report. business. ©2017 USA Today Amazon, which two years ago began selling tickets Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. in the U.K., has approached U.S. venue owners about partnering to sell tickets here, too, Reuters reported Thursday, citing four sources knowledgeable about the development. The strategy amounts to a shot across the bow of event heavyweight Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster and owns or is aligned with 196 U.S. venues, including The Fillmore in San Francisco, the Hollywood Palladium and House of Blues venues. Amazon hopes to take advantage of consumer displeasure in the current state of ticket fees and sports leagues and venue operators' desire for additional competition, Reuters reported. Ticket sales represent a prime business in the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Do Ticketmaster's Exclusive Agreements with Concert Venues Violate Federal Antitrust Law?
    Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development Volume 10 Issue 2 Volume 10, Spring 1995, Issue 2 Article 7 "Not for You"; Only for Ticketmaster: Do Ticketmaster's Exclusive Agreements with Concert Venues Violate Federal Antitrust Law? Matthew K. Finkelstein Colleen Lagan Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.stjohns.edu/jcred This Note is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at St. John's Law Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development by an authorized editor of St. John's Law Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. "NOT FOR YOU";, ONLY FOR TICKETMASTER: DO TICKETMASTER'S EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENTS WITH CONCERT VENUES VIOLATE FEDERAL ANTITRUST LAW? America's antitrust laws are premised upon the belief that com- petition fosters the best allocation of resources within a given in- dustry.2 Lower prices, higher output, and better product quality that result from vigorous competition 3 are desirable from both so- cial and economic perspectives.4 The inherent conflict in applying antitrust law is that an effi- cient or innovative company may drive competitors out of busi- ness.5 A question then arises as to whether the dominant firm may have violated antitrust law simply because, through effi- 1 PEARL JAm, Not For You, on VrrALOGy (Sony Records 1994). 2 See National Soc'y of Professional Eng'rs v. United States, 435 U.S. 679, 695 (1978). In Professional Eng'rs, the Court stated that "[t]he Sherman Act reflects a legislative judg- ment that ultimately competition will produce lower prices, but better goods and services." Id.; see also Northern Pac.
    [Show full text]
  • Ticketmaster L.L.C
    AL/DMP:CRH/ICR F. #2020R01158 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENT - against - Cr. No. 20-563 (MKB) TICKETMASTER L.L.C., Defendant. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENT Defendant Ticketmaster L.L.C. (the “Company”), pursuant to authority granted by the Company’s Board of Directors, reflected in Attachment B, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (the “Office”), enter into this deferred prosecution agreement (the “Agreement”). Criminal Information and Acceptance of Responsibility 1. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Office will file the attached criminal information (the “Information”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York charging the Company with: (i) one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, that is, to violate provisions of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”) as amended, see Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1030(a)(2)(C) and 1030(a)(4); (ii) one substantive count of computer intrusion for commercial advantage or private financial gain, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030(a)(2)(C); (iii) one substantive count of computer intrusion in furtherance of 1 fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030(a)(4); (iv) one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; and (v) one substantive count of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
    [Show full text]
  • Ticketmaster Sponsorship 2011
    DIGITAL & P RINT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES a passion for music • Music elicits a visceral response in all of us • Music reminds us of relationships, good times with friends, a particular point in our lives 73% of young adults would give up food for a day • Music inspires and ignites rather than Music imagination 85% of adults listen to Music for an average of • Music is an expression of identity 3 ½ hours everyday 74% of consumers believe Live Music is the best • Music is immediate gratification form of entertainment Live Music is a Social • Music is both a physical and Experience: 83% prefer to emotional connection go to concerts with friends • Music represents modern diversity – many genres are enjoyed by all, regardless of who or where they are Data Sources: Odyssey – July 2003, Simmons Teens/Adults Fall 2004 Study, RIAA 2003 Consumer Trends Study, MTV Research, Simmons Spring 2004 NCS Adult Full Year Study, Pew Internet & American Life Project 2004, Scarborough 2004, 12 Month Release 2011 sees the dawn of a new era in the live music and entertainment industry... Presenting an opportunity to... attract high spending consumers engage with consumers along their daily journey improve business differentiation and loyalty measure impact on revenue and brand 3 Our TICKETING NETWORK powered by the #3 E-COMMERCE PLATFORM ON THE WEB Top 10 Internet e-retailers rank company 2008 transaction revenue ( $ ) 1 Amazon.com 19,170,000,000 • Over 130M tickets sold in 2009 2 Staples, Inc. 7,700,000,000 • 77% of tickets sold online 3 Ticketmaster / LN 6,769,656,076 4 Dell, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Michael A. Einhorn, Ph.D
    COMMENTS ON LIVE NATION/TICKETMASTER MERGER By Michael A. Einhorn, Ph.D. The merger is economically efficient for three reasons related to the parties. First, LN and TM will eliminate duplication in administration and staffing, appreciate scale economies in physical resources, and better integrate data mining and information transfer from buyer to promoter and touring agent. On the buyer side, music fans may benefit from one-stop shopping, integrated ticketing and artist merchandising, and “versioning” or promotional pricing that considers a buyer’s online history. Opposing parties have expressed a number of concerns, some subset of which may be covered by American antitrust statutes that now compose the legal framework behind the DOJ’s review of this matter (the Sherman Act, Clayton Act and Federal Trade Commission Act). From their inception, these acts were enacted to protect against competitive harm. Competitive harm necessarily means ultimate harm to the buyer, and not alone to the interests of either a performing artist or another competitor. Opponents of the merger must then be prepared ultimately to present verifiable evidence to the DOJ (and possibly to a U.S. District Court) on why consumers may be worse off under a merger. Behind the ticketing decision, major artists (or their agents) set the prices of concert tickets. As antitrust economist Luke Froeb details, artist managers, concert promoters, performance venues, and ticket agencies take a negotiated percentage from concert revenues or ticket prices, so constituting a “wedge” between buyer price and artist take. Ticket prices have increased substantially in the past decade because more artists rely upon costly mega-tours to bring in income.
    [Show full text]
  • Jeremy Larochelle Strategic Analysis of Live Nation Entertainment
    Strategic Analysis of Live Nation Entertainment 1 Strategic Analysis of Live Nation Entertainment Jeremy Larochelle, MBA Strategic Analysis of Live Nation Entertainment 2 Executive Summary The following is an in-depth analysis of Live Nation Entertainment’s strategy, competitive position and business execution practices based on concepts from the book Crafting and executing strategy by Arthur A. Thompson Jr., Dr. A.J. (Lonnie) Strickland, John E. Gamble and Margaret A. Peteraf. Data for this study were gathered from the organization’s internal documents including Live Nation’s 2013 Annual Report and the Investor Relations section of their website as well as third-party research, news clippings and industry analysis. The report also calls upon the author’s experience in the music promotion market as a booking agent and marketing specialist. The research revealed an organization executing a well-crafted strategy to vertically integrate the unique value chain elements of their main concert business. As a result, Live Nation has catapulted past their competition in the U.S. concert and event promotion market as well as the global online ticketing industry where they hold commanding market shares in each. Despite this success, there is still opportunity for the publically traded company to grow and improve. For example, management has stated that they will continue to expand globally and advance their mobile ticketing platform. In addition, the author offers recommendations in a number of key areas to help propel the business even further. These are found at the end of each section along with a full recommendation to conclude the paper. Strategic Analysis of Live Nation Entertainment 3 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Crouse Hinds Theater Syracuse Ny Directions
    Crouse Hinds Theater Syracuse Ny Directions Advanced Parrnell incage that unhingement anatomize thereunder and touch-downs discriminatively. Helpless soCain outside? sometimes routings any span peins shaggily. Is Joel unhuman or spacial after irreligious Ingelbert installing All rights reserved ticket transfer tickets are no specific as syracuse Lost or name syracuse theater in the directions or enjoying a room with disqus head home in new link in. Let your password by the crouse hinds theater syracuse ny directions. Mulroy Civic leader At Oncenter tickets for 0316 0730 PM at Crouse Hinds Theater Mulroy Civic utility At Oncenter Syracuse NY Tue Mar 16 2021. View Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater Seating Chart Images. New york professional ballet replace some extremely friendly and. They hatch an online marketplace for ticket brokers or individuals looking to sell and consumers looking for buy. Is there an area shuttle available at Holiday Inn Express Syracuse Airport? Please try submitting your rate options for lost cities across the conversation with tracy fauver. What are accepted via bank details at the blog manager. Double check back into restricted by other resources for crouse hinds theater is riverdance tickets. See directions to ny seating will call tickets at crouse hinds theater syracuse ny directions or another page you and theater and storing submissions to providing every time! Please come out later and explore again. Please check your tickets now passed the crouse hinds theater syracuse ny directions below on desktop computer labs located in nyc and more information such as syracuse! Your phone number located across north america then simply grab your physical tickets at crouse hinds manufactured the crouse hinds theater syracuse ny directions.
    [Show full text]
  • HH2007 Brochure New2.Indd
    7 0 0 2007 2 , 1 11, 1 - - 9 9 r e b m e v o N November Holidays Rotary Centre for the Arts at 717.5304. at Arts the for Centre Rotary contact the the contact For additional information additional For the the • NO CAMERAS are permitted in the homes. the in permitted are CAMERAS NO • accidents, no big bulky purses. bulky big no accidents, for for avoid To wallet. your bring please so sale for items be will ere Th • Karen Dow Angelo and Liana Medoro shoes on slip wear you that recommend we convenience, your For • Th e Cannery Lofts Penthouse 5332 Hedeman Court Homes home each at use for be provided with a bag for your shoes. shoes. your for bag a with provided be 1289 Ellis Street bag your keep Please Tucked in the community of Kettle Valley, this Georgian style Recommended Parking: Library Parkade Woodland Hills will and home each at shoes your remove to asked be will You • home will wrap you in warmth this holiday season. Th e warm Sunday Morning Special Presentation 1025 West Point Drive own. your would you as kindly as and gently as them Visit the Cannery Lofts Penthouse and experience breathtaking colour palette used throughout the home is truly welcoming. with Cheryll Gillespie urban living. As Kelowna’s fi rst loft development, the Cannery Enjoy the elegant foyer, including a fairytale like staircase, and the This elegant shingle-clad estate captures the essence of New treat Please wish. you order any in homes the tour may You • Lofts capture the lifestyle, spirit and high level of design evoked open concept living area complete with a beautifully furnished England’s traditional seaside summer homes.
    [Show full text]
  • Analyzing Public Relations Framing and Ethics Through the 2010 Ticketmaster-Live Nation Merger
    Public Relations Framing and Ethics through 2010 Ticketmaster-Live Nation Merger by Anna Davis — 121 Merging Through Media: Analyzing Public Relations Framing and Ethics through the 2010 Ticketmaster-Live Nation Merger Anna Davis* Corporate Communications Elon University Abstract This research article analyzes the 2010 Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger, evaluating the companies’ public relations tactics during the merger, the merger’s ethical implications, and the impact on the music industry. Through a content analysis comparison of language from both company-generated and major news publication writings about the merger, this research highlights the contradiction between the companies’ framed message and public perception of the merger. While the companies’ writings portray the merger as in- novative, beneficial, visionary, and fan focused, news outlets write in themes of domination, worrisome predic- tions, and monopoly, with limited positivity. This paper concludes that the public relations tactics employed by Ticketmaster and Live Nation during the merger did not influence public opinion. The merger will have a major impact on the concert industry, possibly trampling independent promoters and continuing to raise ticket prices by cornering the market on major concert venues, tickets, and performers. I. Introduction As modern businesses continue to streamline services to boost stock and cut back on resources, mergers have become common and powerful in America. Within the concert industry, two giants have struck a deal and engaged in a vertical merger. Ticketmaster, the world’s largest entertainment ticketing and market- ing company, is joining forces as of February of 2010 with Live Nation, the world’s top producer of live con- certs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger: What Does It Mean for Consumers and the Future of the Concert Business?
    S. HRG. 111–201 THE TICKETMASTER/LIVE NATION MERGER: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR CONSUMERS AND THE FUTURE OF THE CONCERT BUSINESS? HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ANTITRUST, COMPETITION POLICY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY UNITED STATES SENATE ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION FEBRUARY 24, 2009 Serial No. J–111–6 Printed for the use of the Committee on the Judiciary ( U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 54–048 PDF WASHINGTON : 2010 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800 Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001 VerDate Nov 24 2008 11:12 Jan 04, 2010 Jkt 054048 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 5011 Sfmt 5011 S:\GPO\HEARINGS\54048.TXT SJUD1 PsN: CMORC COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY PATRICK J. LEAHY, Vermont, Chairman HERB KOHL, Wisconsin ARLEN SPECTER, Pennsylvania DIANNE FEINSTEIN, California ORRIN G. HATCH, Utah RUSSELL D. FEINGOLD, Wisconsin CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, Iowa CHARLES E. SCHUMER, New York JON KYL, Arizona RICHARD J. DURBIN, Illinois JEFF SESSIONS, Alabama BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland LINDSEY O. GRAHAM, South Carolina SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, Rhode Island JOHN CORNYN, Texas RON WYDEN, Oregon TOM COBURN, Oklahoma AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota EDWARD E. KAUFMAN, Delaware BRUCE A. COHEN, Chief Counsel and Staff Director NICHOLAS A. ROSSI, Republican Chief Counsel SUBCOMMITTEE ON ANTITRUST, COMPETITION POLICY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS HERB KOHL, Wisconsin, Chairman CHARLES E. SCHUMER, New York ORRIN G. HATCH, Utah SHELDON WHITEHOUSE, Rhode Island ARLEN SPECTER, Pennsylvania RON WYDEN, Oregon CHARLES E.
    [Show full text]