Full Breakdown
U.S. Senate Hearing on Ticketing Practices Set for January 28, 2026
1/22/2026, 12:48:12 PM
Overview of the Hearing
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy will hold a public hearing on January 28, 2026, titled “Fees Rolled on All Summer Long: Examining the Live Entertainment Industry.” The hearing will address unfair ticketing practices, including the impact of automated bots that purchase tickets en masse, and will feature testimony from key figures, including Kid Rock and Live Nation's antitrust czar, Dan Wall.
Background on Ticketing Issues
The hearing comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, which are facing two federal lawsuits. The Department of Justice, along with over two-thirds of state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit in 2024 alleging that Live Nation has monopolized the live concert industry, harming both artists and fans. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has pursued legal action against Ticketmaster for deceptive practices related to ticket sales.
Key Figures Involved
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) will chair the hearing, emphasizing the need for transparency in ticket pricing and consumer protection. Kid Rock, a vocal critic of ticket scalping practices, has aligned himself with President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in March 2025 aimed at combating exploitative ticket scalping. This order specifically targets the use of bots to acquire tickets for resale at inflated prices.
Legislative Context
The Senate Commerce Committee has previously approved the TICKET Act, which mandates that ticket sellers disclose total prices, including fees, upfront. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and protect consumers from hidden costs associated with ticket purchases. The upcoming hearing will further explore these issues, particularly focusing on the role of bots and the need for federal oversight in ticketing practices.
Criticism of Current Practices
Critics, including concert promoter David Weingarten, argue that the Live Nation/Ticketmaster monopoly adversely affects fans by limiting their access to tickets at fair prices. Weingarten stated, “The Live Nation/Ticketmaster monopoly continues to hurt fans at every stage of the process.” There are concerns that Live Nation may attempt to deflect blame onto resale platforms, which still face competition.
Official Statements & Responses
Senator Blackburn has articulated that current ticketing practices weaken the connection between artists and fans, highlighting the necessity for congressional oversight. In a statement, she noted, “Bad actors buy up tickets with no intention of using them. They then resell the tickets on secondary markets with eye-popping markups.” Live Nation has not publicly commented on the upcoming hearing but previously expressed support for Trump's executive order aimed at addressing scalping issues.
What's Next
As the January 28 hearing approaches, stakeholders will be watching for the testimonies and statements from the panelists, particularly regarding the enforcement of bot regulations and the implications for ticket pricing transparency. The outcome may influence future legislative actions aimed at reforming the ticketing industry and enhancing consumer protections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “bad actors buy up tickets with no intention of using them. They then resell the tickets on secondary markets with eye-popping markups. Their unearned profits come out of the pockets of ordinary Americans who just want to attend a performance by a favorite artist or cheer on their team at the big game.” — Senator Marsha Blackburn
- “We’re eager work with Congressional leaders on real solutions that put tickets back into the hands of fans,” — Brian Berry, Ticket Policy Forum
- “The Live Nation/Ticketmaster monopoly continues to hurt fans at every stage of the process.” — David Weingarten, Colorado Independent Venue Association
