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Salem Communications Accused of Antitrust, Trying to Control Music Promoter’s Business

Thanks to Church Report for the update!

Salem Communications could soon be faced with antitrust allegations after a music promoter in Portland, Oregon filed suit claiming Salem Communications has attempted to control his business.

The suit, filed by promoter LMG Concerts in U.S. District Court in Portland, Ore., accuses Salem Communications of “anticompetitive, predatory and exclusionary practices.”

As the “largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company providing programming to audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content,” Salem also exercises a lot of control in the region, running all four Christian radio stations in the Portland metro, according to LMG’s complaint.

“Just as Salem Communications’ radio arm completely dominates the Christian music airwaves in the Portland metro area, its live entertainment arm, Fish Concerts, is attempting to dominate the Christian concert promotion business,” the suit says.

LMG notes Salem has prevented it from advertising shows on Christian radio stations in the region, causing the promoter to lose business and adversely impacting LMG’s capacity to attract and retain clients.

Read more HERE