Probe Sought of Clear Channel

A New York congressman asked the Justice Department to examine allegations that entertainment giant Clear Channel Communications is undercutting a major rival in the concert industry.

Rep. Anthony D. Weiner (D-New York), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, urged antitrust officials to examine the recent sale of New York promotion firm Metropolitan Entertainment to veteran concert executive Mitch Slater.

Weiner said Clear Channel, after losing a bid to buy Metropolitan, moved to purchase one of the company’s biggest assets--a contract to promote events at a Pennsylvania amphitheater--before Slater could take the reins. Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Mission Hills), had previously asked the department to examine alleged anti-competitive practices by San Antonio-based radio conglomerate Clear Channel. A Justice Department representative did not return calls.

A Clear Channel spokesman said losing the bidding for Metropolitan and securing the amphitheater deal were “in no way related.” Officials overseeing the publicly owned amphitheater have said they asked Clear Channel to take over the building.