The Listen

PaidContent.org brings us the report about this story:

“This was speculated by an NYP story earlier this week and now Billboard fleshes it out, though in a slightly different direction: troubled Cablevision (NYSE: CVC) is close to a deal to acquire 49 percent of AEG Live, the live music touring arm of Anschutz Entertainment Group…it is partnering with Ticketmaster, in which IAC (NSDQ: IACI) holds a stake now, on the deal, according to the story.

A key component of the deal is Fuse TV, the cable and digital music channel which was formerly part of Rainbow Media, a division of Cablevision which includes We: Women’s Entertainment, IFC and AMC. as part of the complex deal, Fuse will undergo a multi-million dollar rebranding effort, and will play a large role in the repositioning of AEG Live as having a big media component and the world’s largest ticketing company in Ticketmaster.”

Yet another music and media conglomeration. Is this what’s really best for the industry….combining various facets of the biz under one roof?  Sure it’s a good business move to be diversified in an evolving business sector, but is it best for the music and fans?  What I see is that Coachella’s line-up is announced or whatever AEG Live show is bringing you this week or month and then there is endless promotion on Fuse TV of all of these artists and a push to go check them out. Now, since these artists have been crammed down your throat for weeks on end, you’ve come to the conclusion that this is where all the cool kids will be and you’ve decided to breakdown and purchase the tickets from Ticketmaster that all of a sudden have gone up almost 40% from the year previous.

Sure Coachella’s line-up is consistently good (this year is in question however) and maybe it’s good promotion for these bands, however, it’s all obviously incestuous and maybe not in the best interest of music on the whole…..maybe it will be, but my gut says bigger is not better in this case. Heaven forbid, AEG Live doesn’t book your band, you may be out in the cold on various fronts.

Let us know your thoughts.