Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger Approved

The Justice Department has approved the Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger after a year-long investigation. While we’d usually greet such a seemingly anti-competitive decision with anger and animosity, the Justice Department has thrown in a few conditions to their approval which gives us a little hope that this won’t be the worst thing to ever happen to concertgoers.

Not only does the new company have to sell one of its ticketing divisions but it must license its software to a competitor. It’s quite possible these divestitures will ensure that there are two formidable competitors to Live Nation/TM’s throne. Also, LN/TM will be subject to “tough anti retaliation provisions” for the next 10 years that “aim to prevent abuse of its powers over concert tours, artist management, ticketing and theaters.” [NYT]

These conditions seem like a good start, but we’ve got a few others we’d like to see the Department of Justice make the new company observe…

• Ticketmaster/Live Nation promises not to refer to exorbitant fees as “convenience charges” anymore
• Ticketmaster/Live Nation promises not to re-direct customers to one of their in-house scalpers for instantly sold-out shows
• TM/LN promises not to sell any more Creed or Nickelback tickets
• TM/LN promises to entertain customers with a joke while we wait 15 minutes to see if tickets are available to a high-demand event
• TM/LN promises not to add “Oxygen Usage Fee” to ticket prices
• TM/LN promises to make water bottle caps available at all venues
• TM/LN promises to stop charging for “the right” to print your own tickets
• TM/LN promises to print the actual price you paid on the ticket
• TM/LN promises to stop killing puppies & pushing seniors down stairs

Thanks to Ace for the assist. What other conditions do you think should be added to the agreement? Let us know by leaving a comment…