Ticketmaster, the nation’s forerunner in concert ticket distribution, and Live Nation, a new but increasingly powerful ticketing service, have threatened to merge and become “Live Nation Ticketmaster,” defeating Live Nation’s original purpose as a competitor. Luckily, the government seems to be doing what it’s meant to and lawmakers of all political persuasions stepped forward yesterday, urging the Justice Department to view the merger with “great skepticism.” The Chairman of the Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights Subcommittee, Senator Herb Kohl, has expressed concerns about the merger stifling competition in the entertainment industry and potentially violating vertical integration laws. The concerns seem particularly valid in light of recent Ticketmaster “mishaps” involving Bruce Springsteen concert tickets. Luckily it looks like government officials, Republicans and Democrats alike, don’t like paying an $8.00+ service charge on concert tickets either. Where are Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam when you need them? (via RS)

1. Ticketmaster/Live Nation Antitrust Hearing Starts Today, Listen Live Online
2. Ticketmaster Shareholders Ask The California State Court To Block Live Nation Merger
3. The Effect Of A Possible Ticketmaster-Live Nation Merger Exemplified In The Release Of Billboard’s Annual MoneyMakers List
4. The Clear Channel Philosophy Lives On, Live Nation And Ticketmaster To Merge?
5. Ticketmaster Plan To Sell Best Tickets To Highest Bidder