Music fans across the world can rest assured knowing that there’s now going to be fairer and clearer access to tickets, following action from the CMA. Ticketmaster released a press release on the 25th of September, declaring a formal commitment from the company to improve ticket pricing as well as descriptions, so fans have more clarity when booking tickets.
Transparency is a Big Trend in Entertainment Right Now
Transparency is a big trend in the world of entertainment right now. Platforms like Amazon, when you take out a free trial, send out numerous reminders before the payment is due. Additional charges for rented movies, live events, and sports are also clearly listed, and if there is a discount or promotion, the original price for the media advertised can always be seen.
Local venue apps also show real-time seating availability, pricing tiers, and interactive maps, so people can see where they are going to be sitting. Meanwhile, cinemas display ticket pricing, showtimes, and the extra prices and what they might be for, whether it’s to cover the inclusion of 3D glasses, or for an IMAX showing. And, when playing games at a Great Britain casino, jackpot games like Triple Money Jackpot Gold and Triple Money Jackpot Spicy show the current jackpot without people even having to click on the title, which helps to give gamers a more transparent experience from the get-go.
With the wealth of information expected by consumers these days, it’s surprising that it’s taken Ticketmaster this long to get up to speed with everyone else. Still, many music fans would argue “better late than never”, and they stand to benefit greatly from the CMA’s work behind the scenes.
What Prompted the Investigation?
The CMA launched an investigation after Ticketmaster didn’t provide enough information when Oasis tickets went on sale. They found that tiered pricing could have been more transparent, as standing tickets were sold at different price points, even though they were for the same ticket. When the cheaper tickets sold out, only the more expensive ones remained, which left people unsure as to what they were paying for. Fans also found that they had some platinum tickets, which were double the price when compared to other tickets in the same area, with no explanation why.
As a result of this, to try and make their pricing more transparent, Ticketmaster is now going to be giving fans 24 hours’ notice if they intend to use tiered pricing, as well as clearer price ranges when people are waiting in the queue. They are also going to label platinum tickets with tickets that offer actual value or additional benefits. This can only mean good news for fans used to buying gig tickets either second-hand or from other more nebulous sources for high-demand events. Moves like this are going to not only make it easier for fans to know what they are buying, but also know how much extra they are paying for a more premium experience.
With Ticketmaster dominating the market for ticket sales, news like this can be very positive for the industry as it helps to keep music affordable and fair for fans. With transparency being such a big focus for the entertainment sector in 2025, moves like this help to ensure that more is done to both meet and raise regulations as time goes on.
