May 7 (UPI) – The US government is looking for information on Americans on practices or driving deemed “anti -competitive” in the entertainment industry, officials announced on Wednesday in a public inquiry.
The United States Ministry of Justice “will continue to examine this market closely and seek opportunities where the vigorous application of antitrust laws can lead to increased competition which makes tickets more affordable for fans while providing more equitable compensation for artists,” said US prosecutor Abigail Slater of the antitrust division of the Ministry release.
Doj and the Federal Commerce Commission launched his joint investigation to identify the practices, conduct or marketing of driving or “unjust and incompestic” tickets in the concert and entertainment industry as part of an executive decree signed on March 31 by the President Donald Trump that unfair practices targeted in The live entertainment market.
Trump’s order, signed during a Oval office Event with musician Rock kidAttorney General Bondi And the FTC chair to “ensure that competition laws are applied appropriately” in the concert and entertainment industry.
He also orders the FTC to “rigorously apply” on 2016 Obama-era Better sales of online tickets Act, and also managed Bondi, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the President of the FTC to identify specific legislative or regulatory solutions.
The BOTS Act allows the FTC to go against individuals and companies using boots to buy loose concert tickets and resell them, and has eliminated the practice of an excess ticket scalping which increases prices for sporting events or theater shows.
“Many Americans have the impression of being safe from live entertainment by scalpers, robots and other unfair and misleading practices,” FTC president Andrew Ferguson said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, federal agencies have invited American citizens to submit public comments and other information on “harmful practices” and regulations or potential legislation to protect consumers, which, according to officials, will be used to prepare a report for the White House with enumerated recommendations.
Managers have underlined American consumers, artists, small businesses, commercial groups, industry analysts such as dozens of other entities invited to give comments to the authorities as groups affected by anti -competitive practices perceived in industry.
The federal government, as well as 40 attorney general and district, currently argue an antitrust civil lawsuit in 2024 against Living nation The subsidiary of Entertainment Ticket for its alleged “monopolization” and other “illegal conduct” which would have thwarted competition on the markets through American live entertainment markets.
The public, meanwhile, will have 60 days to Comment no later than July 6.