Ticketmaster Slammed for Hidden Fees After FTC Rule

0:00On April 3rd, Senators are firing shots at Ticketmaster for jacking up Ticket fees right after a big federal rule kicked in last May. The Federal Trade Commission demanded all in-pricing, meaning the full cost shows up front. No surprises at checkout. Ticketmaster dished his order processing fee to play nice, but a Guardian report dug up docs showing they just pumped up other charges to keep the cash flowing. Former regulators say this move might straight up break the FTC's rules against sneaky fees. Ticketmaster claims they're fully compliant, with clear pricing on their site and explanations during buys. But critics argue it's a classic dodge, keeping fans paying more in the end. Lawmakers like Connecticut's Richard Blumenthal called it out hard, saying Ticketmaster thinks they can ignore consumer laws. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren piled on, pushing for a full breakup of the company and its parent live nation. Families are stuck footing the bill for these monopoly games.

1:00This all ties into a federal trial over whether Ticketmaster runs an illegal lock on live music, shoving out rivals. The Justice Department sued last September, partly for those hidden fees, and the trial just started when they cut a quick settlement deal. Over 30 states said no thanks, and kept fighting. The heat still on as states pushed the case forward, and watch docs I'm more enforcement. Fans might finally see real change of the pressure sticks.