The National Independent Talent Association (NITO) has called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to expand its recently announced concert ticket "Junk Fees Rule," arguing that current measures don't address the core issue of excessive fees.

The FTC's rule, approved in December with a 4-1 vote, requires businesses to display all-in pricing for tickets upfront, showing the total cost including fees before checkout. While this transparency measure affects venues, hotels, and vacation rentals, it doesn't actually limit or reduce the fees themselves.

NITO acknowledges the rule as "a positive step forward" but argues it fails to address the fundamental problem: "The FTC's junk fee ruling does nothing to address or reduce actual junk fees that are now buried inside each concert ticket," the organization stated in its letter to the FTC.

Some businesses have already implemented all-in pricing, including Ticketmaster for select events like Kendrick Lamar's upcoming tour. Early reports suggest this approach may positively impact sales, though more data is needed for definitive conclusions.

The rule's future remains uncertain, with Commissioner Andrew Ferguson (President-elect Trump's choice for FTC chair) voting against it. The measure is scheduled to take effect in mid-April, though enforcement under the incoming administration remains unclear.

For comparison, the UK government recently proposed more aggressive measures, including potential price caps on resale tickets. NITO plans to continue working with industry stakeholders to address ticket pricing fairness and consumer costs.

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