Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market

The recent Executive Order 14254, aimed at combating unfair practices in the live entertainment market, is a noteworthy presidential action that addresses issues within the ticketing industry, particularly focusing on price gouging and lack of transparency. This action can be contextualized within a broader historical framework of presidential efforts to regulate markets and protect consumers from unfair practices.

Historical Precedents:

1. Antitrust Actions: The executive order's emphasis on enforcing competition laws echoes past presidential actions to regulate monopolistic practices. Notably, President Theodore Roosevelt's administration (1901-1909) was known for its vigorous antitrust actions, earning him the nickname "Trust Buster." Roosevelt targeted large corporations that stifled competition, much like this order targets entities in the ticketing market that exploit consumers.

2. Consumer Protection: President John F. Kennedy introduced the Consumer Bill of Rights in 1962, which included the right to be informed, the right to safety, and the right to choose. This laid the groundwork for future consumer protection policies, paralleling the current administration's efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in ticket sales.

3. Digital Market Regulation: More recently, President Barack Obama's administration took steps to regulate the digital marketplace, including actions against unfair practices in online sales. The Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016, which this executive order seeks to enforce more rigorously, was signed into law during Obama's tenure to prevent the use of bots in purchasing tickets, similar to the current focus on secondary ticket markets.

Building Upon, Modifying, or Reversing Existing Policies:

The executive order builds upon existing legislation like the BOTS Act by directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce these laws more rigorously. It also modifies the approach by emphasizing collaboration with state authorities, enhancing the enforcement framework beyond federal oversight alone.

Unique or Noteworthy Aspects:

What makes this action particularly noteworthy is its comprehensive approach to addressing both primary and secondary ticket markets, ensuring price transparency, and holding scalpers accountable under tax laws. This holistic strategy reflects an understanding of the modern digital marketplace's complexities, where traditional regulatory measures might fall short.

Furthermore, the executive order's directive for a detailed report within 180 days underscores a commitment to accountability and continuous assessment, which is crucial for adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of live entertainment and ticket sales.

Broader Patterns in American Governance:

This action fits into a broader pattern of presidential efforts to balance market freedom with consumer protection. It reflects a recurring theme in American governance where administrations respond to public outcry over perceived market failures by stepping in to regulate and protect consumer interests. The focus on transparency and fairness aligns with a long-standing tradition of ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible and equitable for all citizens.

In summary, Executive Order 14254 is a continuation of historical efforts to regulate markets and protect consumers, adapted to the challenges of the modern digital age. It draws on past precedents while addressing contemporary issues, reflecting a dynamic approach to governance that seeks to uphold fairness and transparency in the entertainment industry.