Freedom of information documents reveal tens of millions of dollars in grants were given to global behemoth Live Nation, at a time when Australia's music industry was struggling.
In NSW alone, Live Nation and its Australian subsidiaries have been given more than $12 million. Live Nation , which earned $US23 billion last year, has been given millions in taxpayer funds to put on multiple events that never eventuated.
A series of documents obtained by Four Corners under freedom of information detail the tens of millions of dollars in grants Live Nation companies received from federal, state and territory governments. Live Nation told Four Corners that funding enabled it to "retain staff and support workforce recovery during the pandemic".
"Festival X, Sydney City Limits and the Download Festival were three of the festivals identified by Live Nation as part of its eligibility requirements. In one instance, the company was given a grant for an event called The Great Australian Podcast Festival, which never went ahead.In the United States, the Washington Post has reported that concerns about Live Nation and other publicly listed companies receiving COVID relief grants were so high that legislation was written to make them ineligible.
In the last two years, Live Nation has also shelved festivals in at least eight locations across the country.Bluesfest has previously been given government funding, but organisers have said it was not enough to keep it going. "While some festivals face challenges with rising costs, we're confident those with strong locations, talent, and a unique identity will continue to thrive long-term in a competitive live entertainment market," it said.
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