Lawmakers want Ticketmaster/Live Nation probe

The proposed merger of ticketing giant Ticketmaster and Live Nation, the world's largest concert promoter, should be closely scrutinized by the Justice Department, according to the chair of a Senate antitrust subcommittee and 50 members of the House of Representatives. Sen Herb Kohl (D-WI), chair of the Judiciary Committee's antitrust subcommittee, said the merger would combine Ticketmaster, the nation's dominant ticket seller, with Live Nation, which has its own ticketing business. "It is clear that this merger raises serious competitive concerns warranting thorough scrutiny," wrote Chairman Kohl to Christine Varney, head of the Justice Department's antitrust division. The deal has been criticized by Bruce Springsteen, politicians like Sen Charles Schumer (D-NY), and legions of music fans commenting in Internet chatrooms. Fifty members of the House of Representatives signed a letter written by Rep Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) which also expressed concern about the deal.