The antitrust lawsuit filed by independent Denver promoter
Nobody in Particular Presents Inc against Radio and concert
promotions giant Clear Channel Communications Inc. has been
settled in advance of the trial which had been set for a
date in August.
In 2001 NIPP filed the lawsuit, alleging attempts by Clear
Channel to monopolize the concert promotions business in
Colorado by denying airplay to musicians who appeared on
other promoters shows. Clear Channel, based in San Antonio,
Texas, owns eight of the 50 radio stations in Denver. NIPP
gained access to, and released internal Clear Channel e-mails
which referenced threats to record labels and artists by
company officials apparently stating intentions to ‘crush
competitors.
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Andy Levin, Clear Channel's executive vice president and
chief legal officer was reported as saying, "Clear Channel
admitted no wrongdoing in connection with the lawsuit, but
we are pleased to get the matter behind us.” NIPP founder
Doug Kauffman said "This was a long and difficult battle,
and we are very happy with this agreement, NIPP and Clear
Channel can now get back to what we each do best — providing
great music to people of Denver." Officials for NIPP
and Clear Channel declined to comment further, and details
of the settlement were not disclosed.
Clear Channel still faces another antitrust lawsuit concerning
the promotion of motor sports, filed in Chicago by Jam Productions,
one of the nation's largest independent promoters, the trial
is scheduled for November.
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