NEW YORK (AP) — Jury deliberations began Friday in an antitrust case involving 34 states against the concert giant Live Nation Entertainment.
The states argue in this civil case that the company, alongside its ticketing arm Ticketmaster, is monopolizing the industry and consequently driving up prices for consumers hoping to attend live music events.
Live Nation, however, maintains that competition in the concert business is more robust than ever, asserting that the booming market supports its practices as fair and legal.
Shortly after deliberations commenced, the jury in Manhattan federal court indicated to the judge its desire to review certain testimonies from the five-week trial. The states are continuing their case after the federal government previously settled, having secured significant concessions from Live Nation, especially concerning ticket sales at numerous venues.
During the closing arguments on Thursday, a representative for the states asserted that Live Nation controls a staggering 86% of the concert market and encompasses 73% of the overall market when including sports events.
In response, Live Nation's legal counsel acknowledged the company's prominence as the largest entertainment entity and ticket seller in the nation, yet emphasized that their success should not be construed as a violation of antitrust laws in the United States.
The states argue in this civil case that the company, alongside its ticketing arm Ticketmaster, is monopolizing the industry and consequently driving up prices for consumers hoping to attend live music events.
Live Nation, however, maintains that competition in the concert business is more robust than ever, asserting that the booming market supports its practices as fair and legal.
Shortly after deliberations commenced, the jury in Manhattan federal court indicated to the judge its desire to review certain testimonies from the five-week trial. The states are continuing their case after the federal government previously settled, having secured significant concessions from Live Nation, especially concerning ticket sales at numerous venues.
During the closing arguments on Thursday, a representative for the states asserted that Live Nation controls a staggering 86% of the concert market and encompasses 73% of the overall market when including sports events.
In response, Live Nation's legal counsel acknowledged the company's prominence as the largest entertainment entity and ticket seller in the nation, yet emphasized that their success should not be construed as a violation of antitrust laws in the United States.
