AusLeisure

News Limited has announced the launch of a new national ticketing service, Foxtix, which, it says “will take on the Ticketek/Ticketmaster duopoly with an aggressive entry into mainstream major event ticketing.”

Making the announcement News Limited’s Chairman and Chief Executive John Hartigan stated “this new venture will provide ticket buyers, venues and event promoters with a more powerful option than they are getting now and will open up new marketing opportunities for major events across News Limited’s network of newspapers and websites.”

A press release explains that “Foxtix will work closely with News Limited’s media platforms to provide promoters and venue managers a wide marketing reach; and provide News Limited readers with special offers and benefits.

”For venues, promoters and artists, Foxtix will be pursuing new marketing opportunities with increased and exclusive coverage of events. There will also be marketing arrangements with MySpace to capitalise on the widespread sharing of entertainment among audiences on social networking sites.”

Among benefits that subscribers to News Limited’s newspapers, websites and apps can expect from Foxtix are exclusive opportunities to purchase tickets before they go on general sale, exclusive access to events, and discounts.

Hartigan added that “Foxtix aims to achieve three things; break up the cosy duopoly in ticketing in Australia, give consumers access to lower booking fees, and utilise News Limited’s media assets to give ticket buyers, venues, promoters and artists a stronger alternative to what currently exists in ticketing,” 

Foxtix will be led by Adam McArthur, currently the General Manager of general admission and live music ticketing provider Moshtix. Moshtix and Foxtix will operate side by side under McArthur’s leadership.

Explaining his new role, McArthur stated “Foxtix will do things differently. Compared to Ticketek and Ticketmaster, Foxtix will give venues and promoters more control of the ticketing of their event and more buyer data - at a lower cost.

“Foxtix will also be giving consumers lower booking and transaction fees on their tickets.”

“Venues, event managers and promoters have been telling us for a long time that there is a clear need for a third player to enter the market to offer a friendlier, alternative service. With Foxtix, we are confident we are answering this call.

“Over the last seven years, through our involvement with Moshtix, we have witnessed many situations where the industry and consumers are being poorly served. When you compare the Australian ticket market to other global markets, we are a long way behind when it comes to technology and service.”

Foxtix will further differentiate itself from other Australian ticketing companies such as Ticketek and Ticketmaster by:

• Implementing innovative technology to minimise scalping;
• Providing consumers with alternative ticket delivery methods;
• Allowing consumers to purchase tickets on mobile devices and re-sell tickets;
• Allowing consumers to choose their own seat at venues.

McArthur added that “the team at Moshtix who have built it into Australia’s leading general admission and festival ticketing provider will be applying their skills and knowledge to service Foxtix as we leverage News Limited to become a strong force in Australian ticketing.”

Foxtix’s place in the News Limited stable of brands will be further emphasised in sponsorship, media and marketing packages. Already, integrated media and ticketing deals have been established for The Sunday Times’ Perth Fashion Festival, The Courier Mail’s Home Show and The Daily Telegraph’s Breakfast on the Bridge and Luna Park 75th Birthday.

There are a number of existing Moshtix customers who will transition to become initial Foxtix customers. These include Swimming Australia, The Lifestyle Channel – I Love Dinner series, MasterChef Masterclass and A-list Entertainment.

As McArthur adds “we are also working on some other significant deals that we will announce in the near future.”

Foxtix will sit in News Digital Media’s Emerging Businesses division under executive director of emerging businesses, Michael Solomon to whom Adam McArthur will report. Other brands within this division include moshtix, Getprice and Learning Seat.

For more information go to www.foxtix.com.au

18th October 2010 - MANAGERS WANT MORE CONTROL OVER TICKETING BUYER DATA 

27th August 2009 - SYDNEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS

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