Live Nation Exec's Shocking Admission in Antitrust Trial

0:00Today is March 17. Here's what's trending in Entertainment. A live nation-ticketing executive testified in the ongoing anti-trust trial against the company. Benjamin Baker, who oversees ticketing for their venues, admitted private messages from early 2022 were immature and unacceptable. In them, he called some fans stupid and joked about robbing them blind over high VIP parking fees at a Tampa Ampitheater show. The trial stems from claims by over 30 states that live nation and ticket masters stifled competition and raised ticket prices. Last week, the Justice Department settled with the company to allow more rivals into some markets, aiming to lower costs for fans. But most states rejected the deal, pushing for a full breakup of the monopoly. During questioning, a state's lawyer grilled Baker loudly on his words, reading them back to highlight fan exploitation after the pandemic. Baker got emotional, apologized repeatedly and said the language didn't reflect company policy. He explained fans

1:01willingly paid $50 to park closer, surprising even him. Live nation defended the messages as off the cuff banter between friends, not official actions. The company only learned of them recently and plans to investigate. Baker promoted twice since then, faced no punishment. The trial continues with states using the testimony to argue. Live nation acts like a monopolist. Live nation counters they compete fairly in a tough industry driven by artists and venues. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. It is a pillow that plays your podcasts and music without earbuds. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com. Made in A-I.