Performance rights organization SESAC and a group of local TV stations have asked a New York federal judge to move up a hearing that will likely mean the end of a long-running antitrust dispute.
In 2009, Meredith Corp. and Scripps Media brought a class action lawsuit that charged SESAC with unlawfully using its monopoly power to force TV stations into paying high fees to clear music in syndicated television shows. SESAC agreed to pay out $58.5 million to settle the lawsuit, including $16 million in attorney’s fees and expenses.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer has already given preliminary approval to the settlement, and according to a letter submitted to the judge late last week, there hasn’t been any objection from a class member. A hearing was scheduled on March 13 for final approval, but the parties appear ready to get the judge’s ultimate nod as quickly as possible.
Full Content: Billboard
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
DOJ and FTC Introduce Website for Reporting Anti-Competitive Healthcare Practices
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
US Congress Advances Legislation to Compel TikTok Sale
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
UK Financial Sector Advocates Enhanced Regulatory Accountability
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Google and All 50 States Defend $700 Million Consumer Settlement
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Colorado Enacts First Law to Protect Consumer Brainwave Data
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI