So here is how the merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster now and forever know as Live Nation Entertainers perhaps because the powers that be consider the use of the word Master not entirely appropriate.
1. Ticketmaster has to license it’s softwae to their biggest competitors AEG.
2. Same with comcast.
3. So that makes two big, big competitors.
4. The Justice department will monitor LNE carefully to make sure they don’t retaliate against venues that use comcast or AEG.
5. Live Nation won’t have to sell any of its venues.
6. Ticketmaster won’t have to give up their artist management company.
Translation: AEG, LNE and Comcast will collude on pricing of tix and AEG and Comast will leave LNE alone.
Another translation? we’re still fucked.