This text discusses the historical development of monopolies in the theater and live entertainment industry, focusing on a pivotal meeting in 1896 where prominent theater figures formed the American Theatrical Syndicate. Antitrust scholar Spencer Weber Waller draws parallels between this historical context and contemporary issues involving Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Waller’s forthcoming book, “Power and Greed: Monopolies, Mergers, and Cartels on the American Stage,” analyzes nearly a century of monopolistic practices in entertainment. He highlights that controlling critical points in the distribution network remains a central issue, influencing how artists and producers connect with audiences.
Key points include:
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Historical Context: The 1896 Syndicate centralized theater bookings, leading to monopolistic control over touring productions.
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Modern Parallels: Waller connects the historical monopoly to current concerns with Live Nation and Ticketmaster controlling ticketing and venue access, emphasizing risks of market power misuse.
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Antitrust Implications: Historical cases like the Shuberts’ eventual monopoly inform current legal proceedings against Live Nation, stressing that breaking up monopolies can enhance competition and innovation.
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Secondary Markets: The complexity of ticket resale markets is acknowledged, suggesting they can offer competition but need regulation to prevent abusive practices.
Waller’s insights illuminate a cyclical issue in the entertainment industry—ensuring competitive structures to prevent monopolistic behaviors that stifle access and innovation.
