The antitrust trial of Live Nation and Ticketmaster resumed in a New York federal court, with three dozen states remaining in the case after the Justice Department settled its claims.
Judge Arun Subramanian greeted jurors, informing them that Arkansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota had settled claims and withdrawn from the case.
Testimony resumed with an attorney for the remaining states questioning Jay Marciano, the chief executive of AEG Presents, Live Nation's chief competitor.
Marciano stated that his company faces difficulties due to exclusive contracts used by Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster, which dominate the industry in the U.S.
He also mentioned that a more competitive environment exists in Europe, where consumers pay 15% fees on tickets, compared to the 25% in the United States.
Robert Roux, Live Nation's president of live concerts, described his employer as an 'artist-first company' that operates in a high-risk, low-margin business.
The trial continues with 36 states and the District of Columbia pressing claims that Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster are blocking competition and driving up prices for fans.
