Friday, February 09, 2007

(Yet Another) Free Prize Inside: ITunes Partners With Ticketmaster

(Via Filter)

In yet another announcement from the Concert Industry Consortium, Ticketmaster has announced that they have sorted out a deal with ITunes wherein ticket buyers will get free downloads with ticket purchase. Though this is not the first Ticketmaster "freebie" deal (I linked to news about other giveaway deals here, oh and and they did offer free downloads during the Bob Dylan ticket promotion), linking together with another strong brand like Apple's I-Tunes appears to be a step by company bigwigs to give TM a more favorable sheen. While all the terms of the deal have yet to be grinded out, it has been reported that in addition to the free downloads, the couple will also be selling joint $50 gift cards.

Without even seeing the final terms, I can wager to say that Ticketmaster can "hang with the cool kids" all it wants, but until it proves otherwise it will continue to be just a necessary evil rather than a choice brand. Anyone savvy enough to know how to download music will NOT be anymore compelled to spend upwards of $50 plus service fee for one measly free (DRM encoded!) I-Tunes track. While Ticketmaster has the monopoly on most shows in most markets, they are wise to the fact of the impending (potentially costly) split with Live Nation. Unless they sort out a merger (which may not even be legal), Ticketmaster will have to branch out, connect with the best of the other large promoters, lower service fees, and make the ticket purchasing process faster and more pleasant in order to stay afloat. Get your thinking caps on, guys.

No comments: