Over the controversy of Live Nation and Ticketmaster ticking practices, the Biden administration has finally forced a change. Biden told Variety that “Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary along with other ticketing companies have pledged to give people the ability to see the full price of tickets upfront”. This will eliminate the last minute service fees or other additional expenses added to the price of tickets. As the fees are not being eliminated, the fees could now show up clearly when ordering tickets on various sites. This decision has also been supported by a myriad of companies such as Live Nation, SeekGeek, Airbnb, xBK, and more.
The reason for the changes was government and public pressure the ticketing industry was getting. Especially over the controversies of the Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen concert ticketing. With Biden joining ticketing reform, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard said to Variety, “President Biden has been working to lower costs for hardworking families by bringing down inflation and eliminating hidden junk fees. More companies are heading the President’s call so Americans know what they are paying for up front and can save money as a result.”
Even though the Junk Fee Protection act could have a positive outcome on ticketing sales, others were less convinced. The Break-Up Ticketmaster Coalition mentioned to Variety “the attempt could be a half hearted attempt to ward off the DOJ investigation into addressing the real issue. It’s monopoly power over live events.” In other words, the investigation on ticketing practices started by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lee back in February. An investigation that includes practices that could be more deceiving than others think it is.
With the right measures in place, hopefully the act can change all ticketing practices once and for all.
