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DOJ and FTC launch inquiry into Live Entertainment Industry
May10
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have opened a joint public
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have opened a joint public inquiry into the live concert and entertainment industry, focusing on identifying potentially unfair or anticompetitive business practices.
This action follows an Executive Order from President Donald Trump directing federal agencies to enforce competition laws more rigorously, enhance transparency in ticket sales, and uphold the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act.
The order also called for a comprehensive report on enforcement efforts and recommendations to improve fairness in the industry, to be submitted within 180 days by the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the FTC Chairman.
Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division emphasised the importance of competitive markets that benefit both artists and fans. “We are committed to examining this industry carefully and using antitrust enforcement where it can increase competition, lower prices for consumers, and support fair compensation for performers,” she said.
The DOJ and FTC are now inviting public feedback on unfair or anticompetitive behaviour in the sector, including issues related to state and federal regulations and the impact of the secondary ticketing market. The public has until July 7 to submit comments.
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson (pictured) highlighted concerns about accessibility and pricing in live events. “Many Americans feel priced out of concerts due to bots, resellers, and deceptive practices,” he said. “We are listening. This inquiry is about restoring fairness and accountability in the ticketing market.”
The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny of the industry. In 2024, the DOJ and 40 state and district attorneys general filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster.
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