‘They misuse their market power’: Four Corners to target Live Nation

BY Neil Griffiths

October 10, 2024 8:27

‘They misuse their market power’: Four Corners to target Live Nation

Events giant Live Nation’s domination of the Australian live industry is set to be skewered on an upcoming episode of ABC’s Four Corners.

UPDATE: Live Nation hits back at ‘inaccurate and unbalanced’ Four Corners investigation

In a promo released on Thursday, the national broadcaster claims that Live Nation is “squeezing out local competition by acquiring smaller independent operators”.

“Over 1,300 venues have shut down and major festivals have been bought out, cancelled, and closed. Now, a Four Corners investigation reveals how the corporation — and its ticketing arm Ticketmaster — are maximising profits at the expense of both consumers and artists,” a press release reads.

The episode, led by reporter Avani Dias, will feature interviews with industry figures and musicians, including iconic Australian frontman, Peter Garrett.

“They misuse their market power,” Garrett said.

“I don’t think Live Nation cares at all about Australian artists and they are basically calling the shots.”

The episode comes as Australia’s live industry reels from a number of major festival cancellations, some of which are run by Live Nation, including Splendour in the Grass, Spilt Milk and Harvest Rock.

The episode is set to air at 8.30pm on Monday 14 October on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Mumbrella has contacted Live Nation for comment.