TicketDisaster.org urges DOJ to investigate Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger – National Consumers League

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January 8, 2010

Contact: John Breyault, NCL (202) 207-2819, johnb@nclnet.org or
Shannon Flaherty, National Association of Ticket Brokers, (202) 347-6762, sflaherty@theheraldgroup.com

Washington, DC — As Ticketmaster and Live Nation stockholders voted today to approve moving forward with the proposed merger, the public interest and live event industry members of the TicketDisaster.org coalition released the following statement urging the Department of Justice to look toward the interests of consumers and competition by refusing concessions and blocking the merger:

“Fifty members of Congress have been joined by thousands of consumers who have contacted the Department of Justice and demanded action to protect competition and choice in the live entertainment industry,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, a founding member of the TicketDisaster.org coalition. “The only parties who appear to be in favor of this deal are Ticketmaster and Live Nation, themselves. Consumers know that if approved, this deal will lead to higher prices, worse service, and fewer options for live events.”

“Stockholder approval should not be confused with public approval, and the companies’ bottom lines should not be compared to the public interest,” said David Balto, former Federal Trade Commission policy director and counsel to the consumer and industry groups. “While this move is necessary for the companies to proceed, it has no impact on alleviating antitrust concerns or DOJ’s decision in how to move forward.”

“It is the legal responsibility of the Antitrust Division to halt anti-competitive consolidations, and this remarkable consolidation of a large section of the entertainment industry presents the Obama Administration with its first highly visible opportunity to show they will be taking that role seriously,” said Bert Foer, President of the American Antitrust Institute. “The antitrust and consumer protection communities are watching this one like a hawk, and we have strong reason to believe DOJ will show up for this fight.”

For more information, please visit www.TicketDisaster.org.

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TicketDisaster.org coalition corrects reports on DOJ action on Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger – National Consumers League

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January 6, 2010

Contact: (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–In response to recent reports suggesting the imminent approval of the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger, the public interest and live event industry members of the TicketDisaster.org coalition released the following statement to correct the record and give further reason why the merger should be blocked.

“This is just the latest attempt by Ticketmaster and Live Nation to convince the public and the Department of Justice to ‘just trust us.’ Anyone who has been ripped off by their outrageous fees and inferior service knows that Ticketmaster does not have consumers’ best interests in mind,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, a founding member of the TicketDisaster.org coalition. “Thousands of consumers, fifty Members of Congress, and a broad and growing coalition of public interest groups and live event industry representatives oppose this merger as an attempt by one behemoth to snap up its only significant rival in the ticketing market and extend its market power into every level of the live event industry. DOJ should block this merger outright, and we have every hope that they will do so.”

“The reports that the merger will be approved, like the premature reports of Mark Twain’s death, are inaccurate and flawed, and are clearly timed to impact the shareholder vote on Friday,” said David Balto, former Federal Trade Commission policy director and counsel to the consumer and industry groups. “Ticketmaster may wish that the competitive problems from this merger can be solved through a piecemeal divestiture, but they are wrong. It is not unusual for merging firms to try to rescue a stranded deal with some type of last-minute remedy, but history has shown that consumers are better off when the antitrust cops reject those desperate pleas and protect the interests of a fair and competitive market.”

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About TicketDisaster.org

TicketDisaster.org is a coalition of public interest groups, ticket brokers, and independent venue owners and promoters united in opposition to the proposed Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger. Coalition members include the American Antitrust Institute, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, I.M.P. Productions Chairman Seth Hurwitz (representing independent venue owners), the National Association of Ticket Brokers, the National Consumers League and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG).

Times Warner Cable, Fox carriage dispute – National Consumers League

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December 31, 2009

Contact: Carol McKay, National Consumers League (412) 408-3688 or carolm@nclnet.org 

Washington, DC–In response to the carriage dispute between Times Warner Cable and Fox, the National Consumers League’s Executive Director Sally Greenberg has issued the following statement:

We support Senator Kerry’s effort to keep 4 million households, many of them minority households in California, New York, and Texas, from becoming collateral damage in the TWC-FOX carriage dispute. It is not necessary for screens to go blank for the parties to reach an agreement, nor should it be. We urge the parties to uphold their public interest obligations and keep signals on the air as negotiations continue.

For more information, contact Sally Greenberg at (202) 835-3323.

TicketDisaster.org coalition statement on Competition Commission approval of Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger – National Consumers League

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December 22, 2009

Contact: (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–In response to the approval of the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger by British regulators, the public interest and live event industry members of the TicketDisaster.org coalition today urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider the profound differences between Ticketmaster’s and Live Nation’s dominance of the U.S. live event market and their market position in Great Britain.

“No matter what the decision is on the other side of the pond, it’s clear in the U.S. market that this merger will restrict choice and competition, leaving consumers with no option but to pay higher prices,” said David Balto, former Federal Trade Commission policy director and counsel to the consumer and industry groups. “The Department of Justice now has an even greater responsibility to side with competition and block this merger.”

“Today’s stunning reversal by the Competition Commission of their previous position opposing the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger represents, we believe, a flawed analysis of an inherently anti-consumer and anti-competitive merger,” said National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “Live Nation’s and Ticketmaster’s market positions in Britain differ significantly from their already monopolistic positions in the U.S. We urge DOJ regulators to stand firm and conduct a vigorous, independent analysis of the impact on American consumers of this deal.”

NCL, along with four other consumers and antitrust groups, independent ticket brokers and venue owners and five Members of Congress last week announced the founding of the TicketDisaster.org coalition to help raise the voice of the millions of consumers and live event industry players who oppose the merger.

“Live Nation’s statement today says that they have ‘listened to our fans, artists, and other parties,’” said Greenberg. “Where have they been listening? In a sound-proof box? Two Congressional hearings, a letter from fifty Members of Congress and the outrage of untold numbers of consumers should make the message clear – Americans do not want this merger.”

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About TicketDisaster.org

TicketDisaster.org is a coalition of public interest groups, ticket brokers, and independent venue owners and promoters united in opposition to the proposed Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger. Coalition members include the American Antitrust Institute, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, I.M.P. Productions Chairman Seth Hurwitz (representing independent venue owners), the National Association of Ticket Brokers, the National Consumers League and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG).

Groups again call for change in how Treasury Department regulates alcohol labeling – National Consumers League

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December 16, 2009

Six years and NOT counting: alcohol and calories, that is

Contact: 202-835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC– A coalition of public interest groups today reminded Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner that it has been six years since it petitioned the Treasury Department to make “meaningful change” in how the Department regulates alcohol labeling. Summarizing a record of more than 30 years of inaction by TTB and its predecessor agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Federation of America, National Consumers League, and Shape Up America! reminded the Secretary that there is overwhelming public support for a standardized “Alcohol Facts” panel on all beer, wine, and distilled spirits products listing such basic information as the serving size, calories per serving, alcohol content per serving, and the definition of a “standard drink.”

“Today, alcoholic beverages are the only major category of consumable products not required to carry label information summarizing the basic characteristics of the product,” said Chris Waldrop, Director of the Food Policy Institute at the Consumer Federation of America. “It’s time the public has the same easily accessible labeling information that is now required for conventional foods, dietary supplements, and nonprescription drugs.”

The organizations point to one of the consequences of inconsistent and incomplete alcohol labeling: most Americans have no idea what constitutes a “standard drink,” which the Dietary Guidelines defines as 12 fluid ounces of regular beer, 5 fluid ounces of wine and 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof (40 percent) distilled spirits.

“It shouldn’t take a calculator for consumers to tell how many ‘standard drinks’ are in a particular product or to determine how much alcohol they are actually consuming,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League.

George Hacker, Director of the Alcohol Policies Project at Center for Science in the Public Interest put it this way: “TTB has more than earned a new name: ‘The Take our Time Bureau.’ Endless delay in issuing rules for transparency in alcohol-product labeling has kept consumers in the dark about alcohol and calorie content and has stymied public health efforts to combat intoxication and weight gain. This is yet another example of TTB’s cavalier attitude about the real risks of alcohol consumption.”

While continuing to press for a useful final regulation on alcohol labeling, the four public interest organizations are taking steps to fill the void by providing consumers with information about alcohol content and what constitutes moderate drinking. Especially during the holidays, the organizations want Americans to have these facts:

  • It doesn’t matter what you drink, it’s really how much that counts. Don’t kid yourself into thinking beer or wine is “safer” or less “potent” than the “hard stuff.” So, remember, 12 ounces of beer has the same amount of alcohol as 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat food while you drink and alternate water or other nonalcoholic drink with your alcoholic beverage.
  • In many cases, alcohol and medications don’t mix. Always read the label to determine if the prescription medicine or over-the-counter drug carries a specific warning about consuming alcohol.
  • Before you go out plan how you are going to get home. Designate a driver, have a taxi number, and money ready to pay the taxi. Whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.
  • If you are hosting a party, keep an eye out for those who may have had too much to drink and planning to drive home. If necessary, take their keys and call a taxi.
  • Whether you are a parent, family member or a friend, don’t serve to or buy alcohol for people under 21.

Increasing public understanding of these basic health messages also requires ending the stalemate in modernizing beverage alcohol labels. “There is no debate within the public health and nutrition community about the need for mandatory and complete alcohol labeling,” said Dr. Barbara J. Moore, President and CEO of Shape Up America! “Today’s labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages are outdated, and they don’t demonstrate the national leadership that is critically needed to help consumers count their calories and help address the growing epidemic of obesity.”

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Public interest, live event industry groups announce coalition to fight anti-competitive Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger – National Consumers League

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December 16, 2009

Contact: John Breyault, NCL (202) 207-2819, johnb@nclnet.org or
Shannon Flaherty, National Association of Ticket Brokers, (202) 425-2404, sflaherty@theheraldgroup.com

Washington, DC–Joined by Members of Congress, leading public interest advocates and live event industry representatives today called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to live up to its antitrust mission and block the proposed Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger. At a press conference on Capitol Hill, the group called on concerned consumers nationwide to go to the coalition’s Web site – www.TicketDisaster.org – and make their voices heard to policymakers in Washington.

Members in attendance at the event included Representative Michael Capuano (D-MA), Representative Joseph Courtney (D-CT), Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Representative Peter Welch (D-VT). Joining the Members in the announcement of the new coalition was the American Antitrust Institute, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, I.M.P. Productions Chairman Seth Hurwitz (representing independent venue owners), the National Association of Ticket Brokers, the National Consumers League and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG).

Published media reports have indicated that the DOJ is in the final phases of its review of the merger, which the groups called a “disaster in the making for any consumer that wants affordable, convenient access to live events.”

“It continues to be my view that this merger represents the greatest and most urgent threat to music fans across this country, and, if approved, will have far reaching and long lasting negative consequences for concert goers and nearly everyone involved in the live music business.,” said Pascrell, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee who led 50 Congress members to oppose the pending merger in July with a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice. “This is little doubt that the result of this merger will be higher ticket prices and fees for fans, and chilling effects on consumers, business managers, artists, music fans, and promoters, in every state throughout this country. The American people agree: the Department of Justice must swiftly and resoundingly reject this hostile takeover of the concert industry. No concessions from Ticketmaster and Live Nation will cure this merger’s inherent anti competitive nature.”

“This is a textbook horizontal and vertical monopoly that is being proposed here,” said Representative Courtney. “Either we have competition in this country or we don’t,” stated Representative Capuano. Added Representative Welch, “Why should [consumers] be the source of overreaching profit by the monopoly power?”

“This merger is a dead-end for consumers,” said National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “For too long consumers have had to bear the burden of ever-higher ticket prices and add-on fees while Ticketmaster and Live Nation have been left to gobble up the competition. The time is now for the DOJ to step in and say ‘enough is enough.’”

“We do not see any possible divestitures that will create an alternative competitor comparable to what Live Nation is in practice and can be potentially,” said Albert Foer, President of the American Antitrust Institute. “The systemic risk that will be created by this merger is not that it is too big to fail, but that it is too likely to succeed. It is time for the Justice Department to just say NO!”

Tom Patania, immediate past president of the National Association of Ticket Brokers and a constituent in Rep. Pascrell’s district, said “Ticketmaster’s game plan is if you can’t beat ‘em, buy ‘em out, and we can’t turn a blind eye to it. In just the last few years Ticketmaster’s been on a buying spree, spending more than $400 million to acquire their competitors. The question for DOJ is who can compete against that?”

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About the American Antitrust Institute

The American Antitrust Institute is an independent non-profit education, research and advocacy organization. Since its formation in 1998, the AAI’s mission has been to increase the role of competition, assure that competition works in the interests of consumers, and challenge abuses of concentrated economic power in the American and world economy. To learn more about the AAI, please visit www.antitrustinstitute.org.

About Consumer Action

Consumer Action, founded in 1971, is a national non-profit consumer education organization headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.  For more information, please visit www.consumer-action.org.

About the Consumer Federation of America

The Consumer Federation of America is a non-profit association of more than 280 groups that, since 1968, has sought to advance the consumer interest through advocacy and education.  For more information, please visit www.consumerfed.org.

About the National Association of Ticket Brokers

The National Association of Ticket Brokers, formed in 1994, is the non-profit trade association dedicated to protecting consumers and the secondary ticket market.  For more information on NATB and consumer protection efforts, please visit www.NATB.org.

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

About the U.S. Public Interest Research Group

U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups, is a non-profit, non-partisan public interest advocacy organization.  For more information, please visit www.uspirg.org.

NCL asks FDA to crack down on ‘fresh’ and ‘vine ripened’ labeling abuses – National Consumers League

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December 11, 2009

Contact: (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging renewal of its efforts to prevent consumers from being misled by deceptive labeling of processed fruit and vegetable products.

Nineteen years ago, NCL persuaded the FDA to take a firm stand on prohibiting the use of the term “fresh” on any fruit or vegetable product that is reconstituted or remanufactured from concentrate. At that time, NCL asked that the use of the term “made from concentrate” or “reconstituted” be placed prominently on the front label of these products. FDA issued policy guidance designed to prevent the continued labeling misrepresentation of these products and took action against Ragu “Fresh Italian” Pasta Sauce and Citrus Hill “Fresh Choice” Orange Juice.

Since that time, according to Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of NCL, “the marketplace has become littered once again with false and misleading labels for products, for example, tomato products that are reconstituted from industrial tomato concentrate, pretending to be ‘made from fresh tomatoes,’ ‘packed in season,’ or ‘packed from vine ripened tomatoes’.”

“The FDA guidance is unlawfully being ignored in the marketplace as evidenced by a proliferation of misleading claims by clever marketers,” added Greenberg. “Consumers are paying ‘fresh’ and ‘vine ripened’ prices for ‘from concentrate’ products.” The following are some examples of these misleading claims:

  • Hunt’s Tomato Sauce: “Packed full of premium, vine-ripened tomatoes.” This claim is reinforced with label vignettes of whole, vine-ripened tomatoes. In fact, the Hunt’s product is remanufactured from tomato concentrate. Hunt’s has substituted “vine-ripened” for “fresh” in its label claim to avoid FDA’s guidance.
  • Del Monte Cocktail Sauce: claims “made from California Vine-ripened tomatoes,” with a picture displayed under the claim. It is made from concentrate.
  • “Contadina picks the Freshest Tomatoes” is claimed on labels of Contadina Pizza Sauce, made from tomato concentrate and tap water.

In the letter to FDA, NCL asked that it issue a new guidance to industry setting forth the FDA’s enforcement policy regarding appropriate use of labeling claims that express or imply that a tomato product was packed or made from fresh tomatoes, and to enforce that policy rigorously. NCL also asked that all fruit and vegetable products reconstituted or remanufactured from concentrate be required to disclose this prominently on the label’s front panel. Greenberg stated, “Such a declaration would provide information that consumers need and want to make informed purchase decisions and would close out the clever word play.”

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‘Flu Facts for Expectant Moms’ gives straight talk on the H1N1 vaccine – National Consumers League

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December 8, 2009

Consumer advocate and Ob/Gyn team up to address questions and concerns

Contact: (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–Citing the special vulnerability of pregnant women to the H1N1 virus and persistent confusion over the risks, benefits, and availability of vaccines, a leading consumer advocate and a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist have teamed up to get expectant moms quality information through a new digital Q&A called “Flu facts for expectant moms.”

“Our message to expectant moms is: Do what is best for you and your baby and get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League, a nonprofit advocacy group with strong expertise in medication information. “Perhaps more than any other group, pregnant women are desperate for practical and trustworthy information on how to protect themselves and their babies from what can be a devastating illness in high-risk populations.”

Recent reports show that up to 30 percent of pregnant women who are infected with the H1N1 flu virus require hospitalization, and of the H1N1-related deaths reported in the United States, 6 percent of them – a disproportionately high percentage – were pregnant women.

Annelise Swigert, M.D., a practicing Ob/Gyn and Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, answers questions posed by Greenberg in the digital Q&A’s, available at NCL’s Web site, www.nclnet.org. “Pregnant women are already highly concerned about their health, and when you introduce something as potentially frightening as a widespread flu outbreak—coupled with a limited supply of vaccine—it is easy to understand the heightened anxiety,” Swigert said. “In this situation, facts can often be the best prescription, and the fact is both expectant moms and new moms are doing the right thing by getting vaccinated.”

In the Q&A, Greenberg and Swigert tackle the issue of vaccine supply. Vaccine makers have produced the H1N1 vaccine in about half the time typically required for the seasonal flu vaccine and without using adjuvants, additives commonly used in Europe but not yet approved in the US to increase the vaccine supply. “Health officials believe enough H1N1 vaccine will be available by the end of the year to vaccinate all those who wish to receive it,” said Swigert. “For the most part, pregnant women and members of other high-risk groups have been able to get vaccinated, but those who haven’t yet shouldn’t hesitate to use their status to help them get priority.”

On the vexing challenge of getting vaccinated when supplies are limited, Swigert recommended that pregnant women start by contacting their Ob/Gyn. “Many obstetrical clinics have the vaccine available for their patients,” she said. “Your clinic can also help you find other resources for the vaccine if they don’t have it.” Pregnant women should also get the regular flu vaccine.

The Q&A will be distributed nationally to consumer groups, women’s and health organizations, and the news media. It is available directly to consumers on NCL’s Web site at nclnet.org.

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NCL ED testifies before Congress on ‘wild west’ prepaid calling card industry – National Consumers League

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December 3, 2009

Testimony of Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Hearing on Calling Card Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 3993)

Read the full testimony (.pdf)

Good morning, Mr. Chairman. My name is Sally Greenberg and I am Executive Director of the National Consumers League. I appreciate this opportunity to appear before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to again discuss the need for greater consumer protections in the purchase and use of prepaid calling cards. When we last appeared before this committee to discuss the issue, we equated the prepaid calling card marketplace with the “Wild West,” where unwary consumers too often fall victim to unscrupulous sellers and merchants. A little over one year later, we are sad to say that the situation for consumer remains more “Gunsmoke” than “Little House on the Prairie.”

The National Consumers League, whose founding in 1899 makes us the oldest consumer organization in the United States, has a longstanding interest in protecting consumers from fraudulent practices and is the only consumer group that operates a national fraud center. (NCL’s Fraud Center is described at www.fraud.org).

I want to applaud members of this Committee for the scrutiny and attention you have given to the issue of prepaid calling cards and commend Congressman Engel for introducing H.R. 3993 the “Calling Card Consumer Protection Act.” Consumers rely on members of this committee to defend consumer rights and protections and to look out for consumer interests. In my testimony, I will address some of the facts and figures describing the magnitude of the prepaid calling card industry and the large amounts of money involved. I will also discuss the fraud and deceptive practices associated with that industry and actions taken at the state and federal levels in response to fraud. I’ll discuss why NCL supports H.R. 3993, and I’ll make some policy  recommendations.

Public interest groups call on Justice Department to block Ticketmaster/LiveNation/Comcast merger – National Consumers League

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December 2, 2009

Contact: (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, D.C.- Five of the nation’s most prominent public interest groups, including the National Consumers League (NCL), the American Antitrust Institute, the Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Action, and Knowledge Ecology International today called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to block the proposed merger by entertainment giants Ticketmaster and Live Nation. DOJ is currently reviewing the merger and is expected to make a decision in the next month.

“This merger would be a disaster for consumers. Nothing short of blocking this takeover of the ticket market by two industry behemoths will be acceptable,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “Spinning off a small part of Ticketmaster is no answer. Suggestions that Comcast — a company that is a master of unnecessary and exorbitant charges – entering into the merger negotiations will fix a bad deal are laughable and do nothing to ease the sting of a deal that is anti-competitive and anti-consumer on its face.”

“We all know the saying ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.’ That is exactly what Ticketmaster and Live Nation are attempting to do. Were this merger to be allowed to proceed, it would kill even the modicum of competition that currently exists between the two companies.” said Greenberg. “Time and time again Ticketmaster has shown it won’t accept any competitive players on its turf. By bringing in Comcast, Ticketmaster is simply pulling one more competitor off the field.”

As Bloomberg News recently reported, Comcast Spectacor owns multiple professional teams (including the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers), controls the facilities where they play and their ticketing businesses. Comcast was also one of the investors in the company that sold the Paciolan ticketing software program to Ticketmaster in 2007.

“The new Department of Justice team is facing their first highly public antitrust test, one that consumers are watching with unusual intensity,” said Albert A. “Bert” Foer, President of the American Antitrust Institute. “The question is whether any conditional approval can benefit consumers as much as just saying ‘No.’ We are dubious that any divestitures will make this merger acceptable or will convince consumers that their interests are being protected.”

Ticketmaster first acquired the Paciolan ticketing software firm in 2007, prompting investigations from the Department of Justice. Prior to being bought out by Ticketmaster, Paciolan serviced a wide variety of ticketing clients, from universities to theaters to zoos, and is now poised to be returned to Comcast if reports of the divestiture requirements are true.

“This merger is an insult to both musicians and consumers,” said James Love, Director of Knowledge Ecology International. “It will lead to higher prices and less interesting music and art. The last thing we need is fewer corporate entities controlling more of our culture.”

“Consumers deserve a fair deal in the entertainment marketplace, not the fewer choices and higher prices that would result from this merger,” said Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection at Consumer Federation of America.

The groups went on to say that by including Comcast in the merger negotiations, Ticketmaster is simply transferring its power to a partner renowned for its market domination and exorbitant prices. “These companies are not popular with consumers,” said Linda Sherry, Director, National Priorities for Consumer Action. “Allowing this merger to proceed would make a bad market for consumers much, much worse. We strongly urge DOJ to block the merger without conditions.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

About the American Antitrust Institute

The American Antitrust Institute is an independent non-profit education, research and advocacy organization. Since its formation in 1998, the AAI’s mission has been to increase the role of competition, assure that competition works in the interests of consumers, and challenge abuses of concentrated economic power in the American and world economy. To learn more about the AAI, please visit www.antitrustinstitute.org.

About Consumer Action

Consumer Action, founded in 1971, is a national non-profit consumer education organization headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.  For more information, please visit www.consumer-action.org.

About the Consumer Federation of America

The Consumer Federation of America is a non-profit association of more than 280 groups that, since 1968, has sought to advance the consumer interest through advocacy and education.  For more information, please visit www.consumerfed.org.

About Knowledge Ecology International

Knowledge Ecology International is a non-profit public interest organization, supporting work carried out earlier by the Consumer Project on Technology (CPTech), an organization that has participated in a number of merger reviews, including those involving legal publishing, retail distribution, and media concentration and telecommunications regulation. www.keionline.org.