Clear Channel Wins New Trial

Clear Channel Communications Inc., the largest producer of concerts and live entertainment events, won reversal of a $70-million punitive damage award in a lawsuit brought by a smaller competitor.

U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kennelly in Chicago ordered a new trial in a suit accusing Clear Channel of blocking Jam Sports & Entertainment from promoting motorcycle races. A jury ruled in March that Clear Channel intentionally interfered with Jam Sports’ contract to sponsor Supercross dirt-bike racing.

Kennelly said a new trial was needed because “of a significant ambiguity in the damage award.”

Jam Sports claimed that Clear Channel intimidated the American Motorcycle Assn. into reneging on an agreement with Jam Sports to promote Supercross events nationwide in 2003.