Clear Channel To Get Out Of The Theatre Biz

When media giant Clear Channel got into the live theatre business several years back, many in the business feared that the corporate monolith would shortly rule Broadway. But it hasn’t worked out that way – Clear Channel’s stock has been plummeting as its name has become synonymous with bullying tactics and monopolistic business practices – and this week, the company will announce plans to spin off its live entertainment unit. “The general view is that while the spinoff company (as yet unamed) will still have plenty of clout in the touring business (it still controls all those theaters), its presence and influence on Broadway will be greatly diminished.”