Ticketmaster, Live Nation Dance Around Merger Talk

from National Public Radio

Concert fans and The Boss aren't happy about the reported merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the dominant player in concert ticket selling and the world's leading concert promoter are near a deal to merge. There's concern that a combined company would have too much control over concert prices. Bruce Springsteen, who's on a sold-out tour, voiced his opposition to the planned merger. Industry analysts say the deal makes sense because the two companies already have been encroaching on each other's businesses.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, February 5, 2009