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A federal jury in New York ruled on Wednesday that entertainment giant Live Nation, the owner of Ticketmaster, illegally operated a monopoly in the US live events market, a decision that could reshape the concert industry. The jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws, according to statements from state attorneys general involved in the case.

The verdict followed four days of deliberations in a trial that centered on accusations that the company's practices stifled competition and harmed consumers.

Coverage Comparison

The outcome was reported across international outlets, with coverage differing in emphasis. The BBC framed the verdict as a potential turning point for the music industry, highlighting that Live Nation could be forced to divest parts of its business or split from Ticketmaster. The South China Morning Post characterized the ruling as a "historic and resounding victory" for artists, fans, and venues, quoting California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The Jerusalem Post described it as a "public rebuke" of the largest US concert-ticket seller, noting that shares of rivals like Vivid Seats and StubHub rose on the news. Reuters, via the Jerusalem Post, reported that Live Nation shares closed down 6.3% following the verdict.