The unexpected settlement of Live Nation by the Justice Department prompts significant questions about the future of federal antitrust. Today on *Decoder*, we discuss the major antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and its implications for antitrust and competition law, especially since the Justice Department under Trump has settled its part of the case. States like New York, California, and Texas continue the fight. Joining me is *Verge* senior policy reporter Lauren Feiner, a courtroom insider who has chronicled this trial from the beginning.
You may not recognize the name Live Nation, but you’re likely familiar with its subsidiaries, notably Ticketmaster. Longtime *Decoder* listeners might remember our 2023 episode about Ticketmaster after the Taylor Swift Eras Tour debacle, which led to widespread backlash and congressional scrutiny.
In 2024, the Department of Justice launched an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation to separate Ticketmaster and address rising ticket fees. Regardless of political affiliation, this appeared to be a strong case against Live Nation, as breaking up the company would be widely popular. Filed under the Biden administration, there seemed to be strong bipartisan support for the case. However, the second Trump administration is unpredictable. Early February saw the departure of DOJ antitrust chief Gail Slater. Just one week into the Live Nation trial, the DOJ settled its part of the case, leading to accusations of corruption with Trump alleged to have intervened for a speedy settlement.
The case against Live Nation continues, as state attorneys general persist with their lawsuit, claiming Live Nation maintains an illegal monopoly in the ticket business. This settlement raises complex questions on the current state of U.S. antitrust policy, especially regarding ongoing big tech cases. Lauren has been closely tracking these developments, from the trial to the settlement, and now as states keep fighting. Let’s delve into the details.
For more on what we discussed, check the following links:
– *The Verge*: States’ anti-monopoly case against Live Nation continues Monday
– *The Verge*: The Live Nation trial restarts with a ‘velvet hammer’
– *The Verge*: Live Nation settles government antitrust suit — and dodges a breakup
– *The Verge*: The Live Nation settlement has industry insiders baffled
– *The Verge*: Listen to the Live Nation CEO’s alleged threats to a concert venue
– *Wall Street Journal*: The threats and bare-knuckle tactics of MAGA’s top antitrust fixer
– *The New York Times*: The Trump admin just gave Live Nation the gift of a lifetime
– *The Verge*: How Live Nation allegedly terrorized the concert industry
– *The Verge*: The US government is trying to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster
– *Decoder*: Taylor Swift vs. Ronald Reagan: the Ticketmaster story