Opponents of Ticketmaster-Led Legislation Hit the Airwaves

Fan Freedom Targets Conservative Radio With Spots Featuring Steve Gill

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fan Freedom, the consumer advocacy nonprofit opposing the Ticketmaster-sponsored “Fairness in Ticketing Act,” has begun saturating conservative radio stations across Tennessee with 30-second commercials that are aimed at rallying consumers to oppose the bill (HB 1000/SB 0609).

“It gives power to promoters and venues so they can eliminate any ticket resale competition, and we can’t allow that to happen.”

The commercials feature longtime conservative talk show host Steve Gill, who recently signed on to support Fan Freedom in Tennessee as a part-time consultant because he strongly opposes the legislation.

“This bill goes against everything conservatives believe in, including free-market enterprise and individual property rights,” said Gill. “If lending my voice to the airwaves helps raise awareness of this issue in the conservative community, then I’m all for it.”

Although the Fairness in Ticketing Act’s proponents claim that it is intended to protect consumers from the predatory practices of scalpers, numerous fans, nonprofits, small business-owners and conservative organizations have called the bill into question because it would allow venues, teams, artists and ticket issuers to use restricted ticketing, dictating how fans can resell or give away tickets.

Specifically, the Ticketmaster-backed bill includes a provision that would give venues and ticket issuers the power to determine how a ticket can be transferred or resold.

“One of the bill’s fatal flaws is that it strips consumers of individual property rights,” said Gill. "It gives power to promoters and venues so they can eliminate any ticket resale competition, and we can’t allow that to happen.”

“We welcome the support of Steve Gill and all other conservatives in Tennessee who aim to maintain free-market principles and individual property rights,” said Jon Potter, president of Fan Freedom.

About Fan Freedom

Launched in February 2011, Fan Freedom is supported by more than 100,000 live-event fans, including more than 5,000 Tennesseans, and is backed by leading consumer and business organizations such as the American Conservative Union, National Consumers League, Consumer Action, the Institute for Liberty, the League of Fans, the Computer and Communications Industry Association, and Net Choice.