On Monday, Live Nation Entertainment reached a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department after accusations that the world’s largest concert promoter was operating an illegal monopoly over the live events industry. The settlement also allows Live Nation to retain Ticketmaster. Which became a subsidiary of the promoter in 2010.
Much of the subsequent reaction has centered on the disappointment of fans across all music genres. This also includes frustration with the Trump Administration, and the Justice Department’s willingness to offer a settlement in the first place.
One aspect that is not getting much attention is what the agreement means and opportunities it presents for local radio and media’s involvement in the live touring industry.
With the new agreement finally bringing some clarity to what had been an uncertain future for Live Nation and Ticketmaster over the past year. Local broadcast outlets can now use their platforms to form and expand new promotional and sales relationships. They can also incorporate new opportunities through on-air programming strategies geared toward frustrated fans.
Fresh Opportunity
In recent years, many record labels and artists have seen radio’s role shift. What was solely promoting new albums now encompasses serving as an avenue to promote tours and live events. The industry views as vital to music revenue.
Although the DOJ’s settlement didn’t break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation, it does allow venues, promoters, and local stations more flexibility. Especially in how they market local concerts and events.
“There’s an opportunity everywhere from radio stations to local promoters,” ticketing specialist and host of Ticket Talk, Scott Friedman explains.
The Live Nation settlement reportedly includes a number of penalties. This includes a fine reported to be in the $200–$280 million range. Also caps on ticket service fees, and the divestment of up to 13 amphitheaters nationwide. The promoter will also be forced to share its technology with competitors, including secondary ticketing sites such as StubHub.
The settlement also caps Ticketmaster’s existing contracts at four years. Something which Friedman says could be beneficial.
“Ticketmaster can no longer have ten year exclusivity with venues. This allows opportunities for radio and other promoters to get their ducks in a row and try and either out bid [in the case of a rival promoter] or media outlets to focus on marketing and branding relationships to build future profits,” explains Friedman.
Radio Can Be An Ally
At face value, the core settlement doesn’t have as much to do with radio as it does with ticketing competition. This is where the programming side of things comes in.
“If the DOJ didn’t settle and Live Nation and Ticketmaster were forced to break up, that would have presented more opportunities,” Friedman explained. He added that the current settlement will most likely have little to no impact on bringing down ticket prices.
However, the reaction shows just how emotional fans are right now when it comes to seeing their favorite artists perform.
The lead-up to Monday’s agreement showcased music fans’ frustrations regarding high ticket prices. Frustrations that don’t appear to be coming down anytime soon. All one has to do is search “Live Nation” on social media and grab a box of popcorn.
“Ticketmaster paid the tiny fine, and will now keep screwing over the fans,” one music fan tweeted in disgust.
Local radio stations now have a chance to be an ally with music fans.
Not by calling out Live Nation or the ticketing industry—which would be self-sabotage. Instead by serving as a distraction for fans through their on-air programming.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen music superstars ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Harry Styles to Metallica’s 2027 Sphere tickets trending. Each while receiving heavy criticism because of their ticketing practices, namely how expensive they were.
Stations should lean into those emotions. Vertically integrate the station’s social media platforms and promote an on-air experience for fans to enjoy.
What Programmers Can Do
Local program directors need to understand this. When high-profile musicians come to their city, a major talking point among listeners will be how expensive tickets are. Radio needs to serve as an outlet for fans who don’t want to think about how much they paid for a ticket. Instead, help them remember why they bought it: for the love of the artist.
Programming ideas can incorporate special block programming. A possible “Ed Sheeran Hour” featuring an artist’s biggest hits while also including a ticket giveaway. That’s just one great way to stay local and relevant while also making listeners and the fanbase feel better about the situation.
Stations can even lean into fans’ frustrations and emotions through witty on-air imaging elements. These can also be used to promote their specialized music programming.
Not to mention the opportunity DJs and stations have by asking artists about high ticket prices. Clips like this are going extremely viral and a good way to be seen as an ally for fans.
Be The Escape
As I previously wrote, fans are furious about ticket prices. Even if they may be focusing their anger on the wrong people and companies.
Regardless, fans are looking for allies anywhere they can find them. Radio stations look to dip their toes into the live music ecosystem more should take advantage. Rather than just “give away a pair of tickets”—this week’s DOJ settlement presents the opportunity for more.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
‘Gunz’ has been a staple in the music, sports and news industry for over a decade. From his first on-air appearances on MTV and FUSE television as a teenager to broadcasting nationally with Don Imus, to most recently hosting the Vans Warped Tour on Amazon Music, he has become one of the industry’s most insightful and trusted voices. As host of idobi Radio’s ‘The Gunz Show’ (80K+ Weekly Listeners) for the last fifteen years, Gunz has built a reputation for Breaking Bands and Breaking News, including notable debut interviews from bands such as Twenty One Pilots, Cobra Starship, fun., and viral interviews with artists such as Machine Gun Kelly, All Time Low and The All American Rejects. Whether it’s hosting red carpets or exclusive sit-downs with media’s biggest names from Clive Davis to Dana White, Gunz answers not only “What” is happening, but more importantly – “Why?” for programmers, publicists, artists, entertainers and fans alike.
