ABC Four Corners announces broadcast date for Live Nation investigation

Global entertainment giant Live Nation’s practices in the Australian entertainment are to be the subject of an investigation to be broadcast on the ABC’s Four Corners on Monday.

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

A press release from the ABC advises "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."

The episode, led by reporter Avani Dias, will feature interviews with industry figures and musicians, including Midnight Oil frontman and former Federal Government Minister Peter Garrett.

The promotional video features Garrett advising “they misuse their market power.

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

Australia's live industry has suffered a series of setbacks with venues closed and the cancellation of major outdoor festival cancellations, some of which are run by Live Nation, including Splendour in the Grass, Spilt Milk and Harvest Rock.

However, changing consumer habits are seen as contributing to the pressures on festivals.

Four Corners is set to air at 8.30pm on Monday 14th October on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Image: Fans at the Spilt Milk Festival, run by Live Nation subsidiary Secret Sounds. Credit: Jordan Munns.