Part 7/9:
As tensions simmer between artists, fans, and Ticketmaster, calls to investigate the company’s perceived monopoly status grow louder. The U.S. Department of Justice has alleged anti-competitive behaviors that help cement Ticketmaster's control over the live concert market. While the company's ticketing business reports healthy profits, its concert venue operations continually operate at a loss.
Critics argue that by having a dominant market position, Ticketmaster hampers competition, thereby affecting prices and access. However, when scrutinized more closely, a nuanced picture of competition within the broader live event landscape emerges, as alternative ticketing ways exist. Still, the grip that Ticketmaster has on the industry is undeniable.