Monopoly – Full Archive

Response to FTC report on grocery supply chain disruptions during COVID-19

March 21, 2024

We hope that this study will be followed in short order by renewed enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act,” Stacy Mitchell says in the statement.READ MORE

Town Hall Featuring FTC Chair Lina Khan Draws Hundreds of Small Businesses

Katy Milani

March 12, 2024

Hundreds of independent businesses from across the country tuned into a virtual town hall — featuring Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan — to mark the progress and build momentum to rein in monopoly power and level the playing field for small, independent businesses.READ MORE

Statement on FTC lawsuit to block Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons

Stacy Mitchell

February 26, 2024

“Blocking this merger is a crucial step in restoring healthy competition to food retailing,” Stacy Mitchell says in the statementREAD MORE

ILSR Responds to the CFPB’s Proposed Guardrails for Digital Banking

Katy Milani

January 24, 2024

ILSR supports the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposed “open banking” rule to establish important guardrails for digital banking. But it needs additional provisions to ensure that smaller, relationship-oriented financial institutions can access fair competition.READ MORE

How to Get Away With Merger Season Recap

Luke Gannon

December 21, 2023

Local initiatives are resisting profit-driven mergers by mobilizing their communities and building robust local economies.READ MORE

Statement on FTC and DOJ Finalized Merger Guidelines

Stacy Mitchell

December 18, 2023

"This draft heralds a long overdue end to the dangerous and destructive approach of the last four decades," Stacy Mitchell, ILSR Co-Executive Director, says in the statement.READ MORE

Cleanup on Aisle 1990

Luke Gannon

December 14, 2023

Communities nationwide proactively address food security by opening grocery stores that adopt innovative ownership, access, and governance approaches.READ MORE

Sparking a Community Broadband Revolution

Luke Gannon

November 30, 2023

Sparklight monopolization of East Carroll Parrish prompts leaders to build a fiber-to-the-home network for fast, affordable Internet.READ MORE

Consolidation in the Cord-Cutting Era

Luke Gannon

November 16, 2023

From the Capitol to K Street, a Wisconsin native finds a home at Consumer Reports advocating for broadband access and affordability.READ MORE

Investment Funds v. A Democratic Future

Luke Gannon

November 2, 2023

A community advocacy organization fought to transfer power from a fossil fuel-backed investment firm to community-driven clean energy.READ MORE

New Mexicans v. Fossil Fuel Giants

Luke Gannon

October 19, 2023

A determined coalition fights to block a private takeover of the state’s largest utility.READ MORE

BlackRock v. Black Gold

Luke Gannon

October 5, 2023

A NYC composter fights to fend off Wall Street and invest in the land and her community.READ MORE

ILSR Press Event: Sellers and Small Businesses Applaud FTC’s Amazon Lawsuit

Katy Milani

September 26, 2023

Third-party sellers and small business leaders joined the Institute for Local Self-Reliance's virtual press briefing to applaud the FTC’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, hailing the action as a critical step to ending Amazon’s abuses and opening the online market to competition.READ MORE

Statement on FTC's Amazon Lawsuit

Stacy Mitchell

September 26, 2023

"This draft heralds a long overdue end to the dangerous and destructive approach of the last four decades," Stacy Mitchell, ILSR Co-Executive Director, says in the statement.READ MORE

A Rotten Waste Merger

Luke Gannon

September 21, 2023

An environmental lawyer and activist calls bigness the most pressing issue in the waste industry.READ MORE

ILSR Submits Comments to Strengthen Proposed Merger Guidelines

Katy Milani

September 19, 2023

ILSR submitted an in-depth comment letter applauding the FTC and DOJ for the significant changes contained in the agencies’ Draft Merger Guidelines and suggesting ways the agencies should amend their draft guidelines to better discern and block harmful mergers, promote a decentralized economy, safeguard American liberty, and fulfill the aims of the antitrust laws enacted by Congress.READ MORE

Why the Antitrust Revolution is Likely To Last

Susan Holmberg

September 7, 2023

Stacy Mitchell explains why this pivotal moment in antitrust can last beyond its current leaders at our enforcement agencies. Her piece is part of a series of two dozen essays on the state of the U.S. revolution in antitrust, published by The Journal of Antitrust Enforcement.READ MORE

Beer Mergers Brew Disaster

Luke Gannon

September 7, 2023

A brewer details the struggles faced by smaller breweries in a consolidated beer industry, and highlights the importance of creativity, community, and empowerment.READ MORE

How To Get Away With Merger (Season Preview)

Luke Gannon

August 31, 2023

Our new season shatters the deceptive facade often employed by merging companies that claim their consolidation will benefit consumers.READ MORE

In a NY Times TikTok, We Explain Why Your Groceries Are Still So Expensive

Luke Gannon

August 10, 2023

In a popular New York Times Tik Tok, Stacy Mitchell explained why we need to look past the headlines about inflation to understand why our grocery bills are still rising.READ MORE

The Biden Administration’s Proposed Merger Guidelines: An Explainer

Stacy Mitchell

August 10, 2023

The Biden Administration’s proposed merger guidelines represent a significant shift in policy from the current guidelines. If implemented, the guidelines would help stop harmful mergers that concentrate power in too few hands. Our new explainer breaks down the basics of the new merger guidelines and explains how they could reshape merger enforcement, the economy, and our democracy.READ MORE

In Project Syndicate: Is America's Merger Fever Breaking?

Stacy Mitchell

August 2, 2023

A major shift is afoot in the federal government’s stance on big business. The US Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission’s draft merger guidelines represent a major break with the neoliberal assumptions that have underpinned US antitrust enforcement for the last 40 years. In the Project Syndicate, Stacy Mitchell and Ron Know write how the draft guidelines, if adopted, would stop runaway corporate consolidation, rebuild local economies, and help preserve US democracy.READ MORE

Statement on Proposed New Merger Guidelines

Stacy Mitchell

July 19, 2023

"This draft heralds a long overdue end to the dangerous and destructive approach of the last four decades," Stacy Mitchell, ILSR Co-Executive Director, says in the statement.READ MORE

In Civil Eats: Pacific Seafood Controls the Dungeness Crab Market, but Small Crabbers Are Fighting Back

Ron Knox

July 12, 2023

Small fishermen in the Pacific Northwest are taking a stand against Pacific Seafood, the dominant West Coast crab processor, alleging that the corporation is exploiting its power to manipulate industry regulations in its favor and drive down the prices the fishermen receive for their catch. Writing in Civil Eats, Ron Knox provides our latest dispatch on how local economies are suffering the effects of unchecked monopoly power.READ MORE

Keeping My Public Options Open

Luke Gannon

July 6, 2023

Two advocates for affordable life-saving drugs share their stories exposing America's healthcare woesREAD MORE

Amazon's Tight Grip on Cloud Computing Poses Multiple Threats. ILSR Urges FTC Action.

Ron Knox

June 29, 2023

In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, ILSR warned that control over cloud computing, the backbone of the modern economy, is dangerously concentrated. Amazon Web Services (AWS), which controls more than 40 percent of global cloud infrastructure, has exploited its position to lock-in customers, shut out rivals, and reap unfair advantages in its other non-cloud business lines. ILSR urges the FTC to use its authorities to open the market to needed competition.READ MORE

On the Capitol Forum Podcast: Food Deserts, Rising Prices, and Antitrust

Luke Gannon

June 27, 2023

Inflation in the grocery sector is a cover story for monopoly power, Stacy Mitchell explains on the Capitol Forum podcast. The real cost of groceries can be traced to Walmart's predatory tactics and failed antitrust enforcement.READ MORE

Fact Sheet: Credit Card Swipe Fees — A Hidden Monopoly Tax on Small Businesses and Shoppers

Katy Milani

June 20, 2023

Our new fact sheet explains how credit card monopolies and banks are imposing swipe fees — what is essentially a monopoly tax — to rake in profit at the expense of small business and consumers. Congress must take action.READ MORE

In the New York Times: The Real Reason Your Groceries Are Getting So Expensive

Luke Gannon

May 29, 2023

As big retailers exploit their financial control over suppliers, independent grocers face extinction, creating food deserts and driving up prices for everyone. In the New York Times, Stacy Mitchell calls to resurrect the Robinson-Patman Act and restore fair competition in the warped landscape of the American food system.READ MORE

WATCH: Fixing the Food Gap

Katy Milani

May 23, 2023

This virtual event featured Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya alongside community leaders, independent grocers, and advocates—to examine the ways these dominant retailers exert their power, how community leaders are fighting back, and what federal leaders must do to cultivate fairness in our food system.READ MORE

Graying of the Fleet

Luke Gannon

April 18, 2023

A fisherman explains how corporations are displacing independent fisherfolkREAD MORE

Watch: Stacy Mitchell's Keynote on Monopoly at the Maine Center for Economic Policy's Annual Conference

Luke Gannon

April 15, 2023

In an hour-long conversation with Arthur Phillips of MECEP, Stacy Mitchell talked about how concentrated corporate power has impacted Maine communities and what state leaders can do about it.READ MORE

In ProMarket: Today’s Tax Code Fuels Corporate Power. It Wasn’t Always This Way

Susan Holmberg

April 12, 2023

Our tax system used to serve as a check on corporate power. Now it fuels market concentration and undermines the ability of small businesses to compete, Susan Holmberg and Niko Lusiani explain in ProMarket.READ MORE

Report: Tax Dodging is a Monopoly Tactic

Stacy Mitchell

March 30, 2023

Local and federal policymakers have systematically structured tax policy in a way that deepens the concentration of corporate power, Stacy Mitchell and Susan Holmberg argue in this issue brief, co-published with the Roosevelt Institute.READ MORE

A Country with No Farmers

Luke Gannon

March 30, 2023

"The Onion Man" gives a first-hand account of what is driving farmers to extinctionREAD MORE

In the Antitrust Chronicle: Ending Monopolization Via Mergers

Ron Knox

March 6, 2023

Ron Knox writes in Competition Policy International that in order to foster a more democratic economy we must strengthen merger guidelines and enforce anti-merger laws, promote anti-merger enforcement in Congress, and educate federal judges about the intent behind anti-merger laws.READ MORE

Minnesota Joins the Fight Against Monopoly Power

Ron Knox

February 8, 2023

Lawmakers in Minnesota will have the opportunity this legislative session to put the state at the forefront of a growing national movement to improve and strengthen laws to constrain monopoly abuses against workers, independent businesses, and communities.READ MORE

On Pitchfork Economics: Why We Can't Let Kroger Buy Albertsons

Luke Gannon

December 1, 2022

Stacy Mitchell explains on Pitchfork Economics how for the last forty years, merging companies have convinced regulatory agencies that their merger will be better for customers — most often pledging that it will lower prices. Stacy argues that the company's statement promising to pass savings on to consumers is blatantly false.READ MORE

In Slate: Radicalize the Swifties

Ron Knox

November 30, 2022

Ron Knox writes in Slate how the shocking collapse of Taylor Swift's tour ticket presale was an inevitable failure of the monopoly Ticketmaster.READ MORE

How Tax Policies Fuel Monopolies and Undermine Small Business

Stacy Mitchell

November 2, 2022

Amazon’ strategy for dominance — which includes securing government favors, particularly tax advantages — offers a road map of how to harness the tax system to build a monopoly.READ MORE

On Vox's Today Explained: Ron Knox on Blocking the Kroger-Albertsons Supermerger

Luke Gannon

October 31, 2022

Ron Knox joined Vox’s Today Explained podcast where he details the danger, harm, and effects of the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger.READ MORE

Boxed Out: How Big Retailers are Flexing Their Supply Chain Power to Kill Off Small Businesses

Stacy Mitchell

September 22, 2022

Powerful retailers are killing off small businesses by dominating supply chains. Our new report argues it’s time to revive the Robinson-Patman Act and restore antitrust enforcement against predatory buying.READ MORE

WATCH: Midwest Forum on Fair Markets

Reggie Rucker

September 22, 2022

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya gave keynotes at the forum, which featured panel discussions by workers, small business owners, and others on the frontlines fighting for antimonopoly reform in Minnesota and nationally.READ MORE

Inflation: The True Monopoly Story

Luke Gannon

August 25, 2022

On this episode of Building Local Power, Rakeen Mabud the Chief Economist at Groundwork Collaborative and Ron Knox, Senior Researcher and Writer at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, take us on a riveting journey exposing the story of inflation that most economists don't want to tell.READ MORE

Stacy Mitchell Keynotes the Launch of The Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project

Luke Gannon

August 17, 2022

The Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP) aims to reform Canadian competition law. For their launch event, Stacy Mitchell, a leader in the U.S. antimonopoly movement, spoke on the importance of antimonopoly to a fair and free economy and democracy.READ MORE

Report: How New Federal Antimerger Guidelines Can Roll Back Corporate Concentration and Build Local Power

Stacy Mitchell

June 29, 2022

Earlier this year the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice announced plans to revise their merger guidelines, setting the stage for a new era in antitrust regulation. ILSR's new report details how new federal antimerger guidelines can restore competition and build local power.READ MORE

"Trustbusting Is Making a Comeback": Stacy Mitchell's Keynote at the National Rural Grocery Summit:

Luke Gannon

June 22, 2022

ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell gave a barnburner keynote address at the National Rural Grocery Summit, where she detailed how monopolistic corporations are squeezing independent businesses and farmers out of the market — and the antimonopoly comeback that is fighting to resurrect our antitrust laws.READ MORE

Anti-Merger Guidelines Would Stop Corporate Concentration, Revive Local Economies — Episode 153 of Building Local Power

Jess Del Fiacco

June 16, 2022

On this episode of Building Local Power, host Jess Del Fiacco is joined by her colleagues John Farrell, Stacy Mitchell, and Ron Knox, where they discuss the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission's plan to overhaul their merger guidelines. READ MORE

Petitioners Ask Feds to Investigate Utility Abuses of Monopoly Power — Episode 158 of Local Energy Rules

Maria McCoy

June 9, 2022

For this episode of the Local Energy Rules Podcast, host John Farrell and guests Howard Crystal and Liz Veazey discuss a recent petition to the Federal Trade Commission and why electric utility practices require federal investigation.READ MORE

In Times Union: NY Needs Better Laws to Deal with Monopolies

Ron Knox

May 27, 2022

Ron Knox and Katy Milani write in Times Union about how the New York 21st Century Antitrust Act would help stop the abuses of corporate titans and "return power and freedom to regular New Yorkers."READ MORE

Listen: What Could Possibly Go Right? Finding Our Muscle as Citizens

Luke Gannon

May 27, 2022

Vicki Robin, host of the podcast “What Could Possibly Go Right?” asks ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell, “In this moment of great turmoil what promise do you see on the horizon?” In other words, what could possibly go right? READ MORE

In The American Prospect: Monopoly on Tap

Luke Gannon

May 25, 2022

The beer industry is in the midst of an unprecedented economic shift, with rapid consolidation and rampant monopoly power threatening our favorite local breweries. Ron Knox writes in The American Prospect how Reyes, the largest beer distributor in America, has bought its way to dominance.READ MORE

ILSR Joins Ask for Federal Trade Commission to Investigate Utility Abuses

John Farrell

May 20, 2022

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance joined over 200 organizations this week in asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate abuses by electric utilities to protect American consumers.READ MORE

Issue Brief: Why the 21st Century Antitrust Act is Critical for New York Small Businesses

Katy Milani

May 19, 2022

Rampant market power abuse is endangering the economic dynamism that New York small businesses generate. State lawmakers have an opportunity to level the playing field.READ MORE

ILSR Calls for New Merger Standards to Halt Concentration, Revive Local Economies

Stacy Mitchell

April 27, 2022

In 1982, the two agencies charged with overseeing America’s antimonopoly laws — the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission — radically weakened their policy governing mergers. Now the agencies are embarking on an overhaul of that policy. In this comment letter, ILSR details how current enforcement policy deviates from the anti-merger laws passed by Congress, describes the consequences, and outlines as set of recommendations for updating the policy to stop concentration and revive local economies.READ MORE

Corporations Rake in Subsidies at Communities' Expense — Episode 148 of Building Local Power

Jess Del Fiacco

April 7, 2022

On this episode of the Building Local Power Podcast, Jess Del Fiacco is joined by Stacy Mitchell and Arlene Martínez who discuss the use of nondisclosure agreements, the acceleration of mega-deals during the pandemic, and what true economic development looks like. READ MORE

In Crain’s, NY Antitrust Bill Can Level the Playing Field for Small Business

Luke Gannon

April 4, 2022

In New York, dominant corporations are amassing unprecedented economic and political power and putting small businesses at risk. Katy Milani and Sue Warfield write in Crain’s that the proposed 21st Century Antitrust Act would level the playing field. READ MORE

In The Forge: We Need a Popular Front to Overthrow Corporate Rule. Small Businesses Are Key.

Stacy Mitchell

March 24, 2022

In The Forge Stacy Mitchell argues that we are in unprecedented moment to organize a broad popular front of small businesses and working people to change the course of corporate concentration.READ MORE

Listen: How Epic Games' Acquisition of Bandcamp will Impact Independent Artists

Luke Gannon

March 10, 2022

Ron Knox was featured on The Grapevine, an Australian talk radio show, where he discussed Epic Games recent acquisition of Bandcamp and its effect on independent artists. READ MORE

Issue Brief: Handcuffed by the Courts

Ron Knox

March 8, 2022

Beginning in the late 1970s, a series of Supreme Court cases upended U.S. antitrust laws — laws that were once the linchpin of a comprehensive, democratic check on corporate power. This issue brief traverses the history and argues that Congress must take action to undo these pro-monopoly decisions.READ MORE

Listen: How Corporate Mergers Undermine Labor Rights

Luke Gannon

March 3, 2022

Ron Knox was featured on The Heartland Labor Forum on KKFI, where he discussed his recent reporting detailing how corporate mergers helped create monopolies that dominate our economies and drive down workers’ wages. READ MORE

In Financial Times: The Innovations We Lose if We Don’t Break Up Big Tech

Susan Holmberg

February 16, 2022

In the Financial Times, Susan Holmberg details the evidence showing that in their quest to maintain dominance tech giants are in fact killing new ideas, limiting new inventions and blocking new businesses from getting a foothold.READ MORE

Video: Watch ILSR's Event on Democratizing Power

Stacy Mitchell

January 29, 2022

Watch video of this inspiring event showcasing grassroots initiatives that are taking on electric utility monopolies and winning the fight for democratic and community control. Features Our Power, a citizen-led ballot campaign in Maine that aims to convert the utility serving most of the state to a consumer-owned company.READ MORE

Building Local Power: Our Best Podcast Episodes on Antimonopoly

Ron Knox

January 25, 2022

We have generated a list of Building Local Power's “greatest hits” from our recent archives. These episodes capture crucial perspectives in our multi-pronged antitrust, small business, and racial justice movement.READ MORE

In The American Prospect: Why Congress Must End America’s Merger Free-for-All

Luke Gannon

October 28, 2021

Senior Research Ron Knox writes in The American Prospect about how decades of unchecked mergers has killed jobs, suppressed wages, and smothered independent businesses. With Lina Khan and DOJ nominee Jonathon Kanter, there is newfound hope to overhaul current merger laws. But Congress must act to end America’s merger free-for-all.READ MORE

On Pitchfork Economics: How Walmart Gutted Communities

Luke Gannon

October 28, 2021

Stacy Mitchell joins Pitchfork Economics to explain how policies drove the rise of Walmart and Amazon, and the urgency of the antitrust movement.READ MORE

Listen: Big Music Should Be On The Antitrust Agenda

Luke Gannon

October 5, 2021

Ron Knox joined WVON’s The Morning Show to jam about monopoly power in the music industry, which is preventing independent streaming platforms from competing and hurting artists.READ MORE

Listen: Big Tech Legislation is a Top Priority for Hardware Stores

Susan Holmberg

August 5, 2021

ILSR's Stacy Mitchell joined Dan Tratensek of the North American Hardware and Paint Association to talk about the momentum in Washington, and at the local level, to level the playing field for small business.READ MORE

Biden’s Executive Order Takes Aim at Monopoly Power on Behalf of Small Businesses, Farmers, and Workers

Ron Knox

July 26, 2021

President Biden signed a sweeping Executive Order aimed at undoing concentrated corporate control and ending decades of consolidation across the economy. The order’s provisions reflect many of ILSR's priorities.READ MORE

Congressional Testimony: How Concentrated Corporate Power Undermines Shared Prosperity

Katy Milani

July 14, 2021

ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell testified before the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee on Wednesday, July 14th. She spoke about how the U.S. has abandoned its antimonopoly policies, which has undermined independent businesses and the vital role they play in our economy and democracy.READ MORE

In The Washington Post: How Washington Got Back Into Trustbusting

Susan Holmberg

June 25, 2021

After decades of a misguided approach to antitrust policy, Washington has a new antimonopoly fervor, writes Senior Researcher Ron Knox.READ MORE

Listen to Ron Knox on Capitol Forum's Podcast

Susan Holmberg

June 20, 2021

Senior Research Ron Knox was the featured guest on Capitol Forum's podcast, Second Request. They chatted about music industry monopolies and how to restore the music industry's middle class.READ MORE

In The New York Times: How a Labor & Small Business Alliance Could Rebuild the Middle Class

Susan Holmberg

June 18, 2021

Labor and small business were once natural allies in a New Deal coalition that backed muscular policies to limit corporate power and build a thriving middle class. A growing antimonopoly movement is rekindling this alliance, writes Stacy Mitchell in The New York Times.READ MORE

Sen. Klobuchar Calls for Breakups in Town Hall Co-Hosted by Small Business Rising

Hannah Henderson-Charnow

June 17, 2021

"Unless you force some divestiture of assets, [monopolies are] going to just keep going the way they are... Yes, breakup[s have] to be on the table when it comes to these companies," Senator Klobuchar at a town hall event co-hosted by Small Business Rising.READ MORE

Centering Racial Justice in the Antimonopoly Fight — Episode 128 of Building Local Power

Jess Del Fiacco

June 10, 2021

Host Jess Del Fiacco and ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell are joined by Solana Rice and Jeremie Greer of Liberation in a Generation. They discuss their recent publication Anti-Monopoly Activism: Reclaiming Power through Racial Justice. READ MORE

New York Bill Moving Through Senate Takes on Monopoly Power

Ron Knox

May 20, 2021

A groundbreaking new bill moving through the New York State Senate this week will, if enacted, greatly enhance the ability of the state and private plaintiffs to take on monopoly power and level the playing field for independent businesses in New York.READ MORE

Senate Briefing Features Communities Impacted by Monopoly Power

Katy Milani

May 12, 2021

Stacy Mitchell participated in a Senate briefing with other leading experts, organizers, and impacted communities to expose the ways monopoly power poses a threat to our democracy, the health of our economy, and our country’s already severe racial disparities.READ MORE

Senate Testimony: Concentration is at the Root of Rural Distress

Katy Milani

April 27, 2021

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs invited Co-Director Stacy Mitchell to testify at its April 20th hearing on the state of the rural economy. Stacy spoke on why rural America is in crisis and attributed the widening gap between struggling rural towns and coastal supercities to the concentration of corporate and financial power.READ MORE

Small Business Rising is Fighting Monopoly Power — Episode 124 of Building Local Power

Jess Del Fiacco

April 15, 2021

Small business owners Danny Caine and Natasha Amott discuss Small Business Rising, a coalition that is calling on federal policymakers to reign in monopoly power.READ MORE

Independent Businesses Launch Coalition to Fight Monopoly Power

Virgil McDill

April 6, 2021

A new coalition of independent businesses is launching today to urge policymakers to rein in monopoly power and level the playing field that has long left them at a competitive disadvantage.READ MORE

New Report Sheds Light on America’s Monopolized Energy Sector . . . and How We Can Fix It

Virgil McDill

April 1, 2021

In this report, we look at how America’s monopoly problem extends into the energy and electricity sector. This report is the latest in a series from ILSR focused on fighting monopoly power.READ MORE

In Wired: Big Music Needs to Be Broken Up to Save the Industry

Susan Holmberg

March 16, 2021

Ron Knox explains how consolidation in the music industry, like the pandemic, has been disastrous for artists. The monopolization of three chokepoints in the distribution of music — record labels, streaming, and live venues — is making it impossible for the broad “middle class” of artists to reach listeners.READ MORE

Is Amazon Picking Winners and Losers Among America's Cities? — Episode 121 of Building Local Power

Jess Del Fiacco

March 4, 2021

Host Jess Del Fiacco and ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell are joined by award-winning journalist Alec MacGillis to discuss his new book, Fulfillment. Their conversation focuses on how the shift toward online shopping — led by Amazon — has reshaped America.READ MORE

Our Antimonopoly Town Hall Draws Nearly 400 Small Businesses

Katy Milani

February 25, 2021

Nearly 400 people tuned into our lively town hall on February 22nd, which detailed how Amazon’s growing dominance hurts independent businesses and what Congress must do to curb monopoly power. The event featured Congressman David Cicilline, along with leading antitrust experts and small business advocates.READ MORE

ILSR Organizes Roundtable with Rep. Cicilline, Small Biz Owners and Antitrust Experts on Curbing Monopolies

Virgil McDill

February 22, 2021

The roundtable event, “Reining in Monopoly Power: Small Businesses and the Push to Strengthen Antitrust Laws,” included a keynote address from Rep. Cicilline, as well as moderated conversations with small business owners.READ MORE

In ProMarket: How the FTC Protected the Market Power of Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Stacy Mitchell

February 19, 2021

The FTC has long protected the power of a few dominant drug middlemen, like CVS, to crush local pharmacies and fleece Medicaid programs. In this ProMarket piece, Stacy Mitchell and Zach Freed look at how the FTC not only failed to act — but worked to stop states from doing so.READ MORE

Your Antimonopoly Reading List

Jess Del Fiacco

February 17, 2021

In a recent presentation to ILSR staff, Christopher Mitchell shared key takeaways from six recent books on monopoly power in the United States.READ MORE

In Civil Eats: The Peanut Industry Has a Monopoly Problem

Ron Knox

January 29, 2021

Monopoly power in the peanut industry has pushed thousands of small farmers to the brink of bankruptcy. It has also made peanuts more expensive to taxpayers than any other crop in the country.READ MORE

On SiriusXM's Tell Me Everything, Stacy Mitchell Talks about the Importance of Small Business

Susan Holmberg

December 17, 2020

Stacy Mitchell joined John Fugelsang on SiriusXM's "Tell Me Everything" to talk about small businesses as critical allies with labor in the fight to check concentrated corporate power.READ MORE

Report Explores Problem of Corporate Concentration in America's Waste and Recycling Sectors

Virgil McDill

December 8, 2020

A report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) does more than explain the problem of concentrated corporate power in the waste sector — it also explains how we got here, and what we can do about it.READ MORE

In The Nation, the Left Should Fight for Small Business

Susan Holmberg

December 2, 2020

It's hard to believe, but Democrats used to be the party of small business. In The Nation, Stacy Mitchell and Susan R. Holmberg argue that the left should once again embrace small business. Doing so is crucial to reversing inequality & rescuing democracy. It’s also key to winning Congress.READ MORE

How Monopolies Gained More Ground During the Pandemic

Susan Holmberg

November 30, 2020

Stacy Mitchell talks to the Strong Towns podcast about how corporate power is concentrating during the pandemic, and what it would look like if Congress broke up Big Tech.READ MORE

Is It Finally Time to Break up Big Tech? — Episode 112 of Building Local Power

Jess Del Fiacco

October 16, 2020

Stacy Mitchell and Ron Knox dig into the new report from the House Antitrust Subcommittee on monopoly power in digital markets.READ MORE

In the Washington Post: Why Antitrust History is So Important

Susan Holmberg

October 8, 2020

In the Washington Post, Senior Researcher Ron Knox explains Congress's groundbreaking investigative report in terms of U.S. antitrust history.READ MORE

In the American Prospect: Revoking Big Tech’s Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card

Susan Holmberg

October 5, 2020

As debates ramp up about how Congress and watchdog agencies should address the monopoly power of Big Tech, ILSR legal fellow Shaoul Sussman argues in the American Prospect that we must prioritize revoking the liability shield these platforms enjoy.READ MORE

ILSR's Shaoul Sussman Testifies in Support of NY Antitrust Legislation

Zach Freed

September 17, 2020

ILSR’s legal fellow Shaoul Sussman testified before the New York State Assembly, in support of new state legislation, the Twenty-First Century Antitrust Act.READ MORE

Zephyr Teachout on Building an Antimonopoly Movement (Episode 108)

Jess Del Fiacco

September 3, 2020

Zephyr Teachout, author of the new book Break 'Em Up, shares her thoughts on building an antimonopoly movement, what she finds encouraging and discouraging in our current moment, and how she approaches antimonopoly work as a democracy activist.READ MORE

Hill Briefing: Breaking the Power of Big Tech

Stacy Mitchell

September 2, 2020

ILSR helped organize and participated in a briefing, cosponsored by more than 40 local and national economic and racial justice, small business, and antimonopoly groups, making the case for Congress to break up and regulate Big Tech. The event included opening remarks from Congressman David Cicilline followed by two lively panels. Watch!READ MORE

Can the People Take Power Back From Big Tech? (Episode 107)

Jess Del Fiacco

August 20, 2020

ILSR's Stacy Mitchell and Ron Knox discuss the House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee's recent hearing on monopoly power in online platforms, which featured testimony from the CEOs of Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Google. The hearing was part of an in-depth, year-long investigation of anti-competitive behavior in these companies — the first time in more than 40 years that Congress has conducted a detailed investigation of monopoly power. READ MORE

Report: Most Americans Have No Real Choice in Internet Providers

Christopher Mitchell

August 12, 2020

This report investigates broadband competition in communities across the country.READ MORE

ILSR Research Cited in Congressional Antitrust Hearing

Jess Del Fiacco

July 30, 2020

ILSR research was cited in the congressional hearing to investigate monopoly power in Big Tech.READ MORE

In Politico: Why Amazon, Facebook, Google and Apple are Bad for America

Shaoul Sussman

July 30, 2020

In advance of the CEOs of the four Big Tech giants testifying before the House Antitrust Subcommittee, ILSR legal fellow Shaoul Sussman and monopoly expert Matt Stoller articulate the implications of this investigation.READ MORE

Our Guide Gives State and Local Leaders Tools to Fight Corporate Monopolies

Jess Del Fiacco

July 15, 2020

As state and local leaders grapple with how to create a true recovery — one that lifts wages, fosters small businesses, and rebalances power — combating outsized corporate power is a key strategy. Check out ILSR's guide to antimonopoly policies for states and cities.READ MORE

In Slate: Break Up Budweiser

Susan Holmberg

July 10, 2020

In Slate, Ron Knox explains that the beer industry is not the craft brewery utopia we like to imagine. Misguided policies have allowed monopolies to dominate the market, creating a bottleneck that undermines small breweries.READ MORE

ILSR Submits Recommendations for Antitrust Reform to Congressional Committee

Zach Freed

May 11, 2020

Stacy Mitchell provides the House Judiciary Committee with recommendations for future antitrust legislation.READ MORE

In the American Prospect: Monopolies in Meat

Ron Knox

May 4, 2020

ILSR Senior Researcher Ron Knox explains how a regulatory system that is supposed to protect the food supply has instead led to giant slaughterhouses rampant with Covid-19. READ MORE

In the Washington Post: We're Short on Hospital Beds Because of Hospital Consolidation

Ron Knox

April 8, 2020

In the Washington Post, Senior Researcher Ron Knox and Roosevelt Institute co-author Andrea Flynn explain how monopoly power is impacting Americans' access to health care, particular hospitals' ability to fight the COVID-19 crisis.READ MORE

Democratizing Antitrust with Harry First (Episode 91)

Zach Freed

February 6, 2020

Host Stacy Mitchell talks with Harry First about how competition policy has become captured by technocratic lawyers and economists, and strayed from its roots as a political movement for economic justice.READ MORE

Reining in Pharmacy Middlemen

Zach Freed

January 31, 2020

How to Reclaim Antitrust for Working People with Sanjukta Paul (Episode 87)

Hibba Meraay

December 12, 2019

Host Stacy Mitchell is joined by Sanjukta Paul, law professor and antitrust and labor expert. They delve into how antitrust laws have been used to hamper the efforts of workers and unions while corporations get a blank check.READ MORE

Matt Stoller on Monopoly Power and Democracy (Episode 83)

Hibba Meraay

October 17, 2019

Host Stacy Mitchell is joined by Matt Stoller, fellow at the Open Markets Institute, for a conversation about Matt's new book Goliath: The 100 Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy. READ MORE

Is Congress Starting to Take Antitrust Seriously? (Episode 79)

Hibba Meraay

August 22, 2019

Building Local Power Host Zach Freed is joined by ILSR's Stacy Mitchell to discuss the team's most recent efforts in fighting monopolies.READ MORE

Independent Musicians and the Anti-Monopoly Movement (Episode 76)

Hibba Meraay

July 11, 2019

Host Zach Freed is joined by Kevin Erickson, Director of the Future of Music Coalition, to talk about the music industry's role in the growing anti-monopoly movement.READ MORE

Report: Walmart’s Monopolization of Local Grocery Markets

Stacy Mitchell

June 26, 2019

In 43 metropolitan areas and 160 smaller markets, Walmart controls 50 percent or more of the local grocery market. No other corporation in history has ever amassed this degree of control over the U.S. food system. Our findings provide a stark illustration of the failings of contemporary antitrust policy.READ MORE

Australian National Radio Talks With Stacy Mitchell about America's Anti-Monopoly History and Big Tech

Stacy Mitchell

June 25, 2019

ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell was featured on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's radio news program Rear Vision for an episode on monopoly power in America.READ MORE

Statement on House Antitrust Investigation into Big Tech

Hibba Meraay

June 4, 2019

In response to the House Judiciary Committee’s announcement that it will begin a study of the impact of dominant technology platforms, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance released the following statement.READ MORE

Stacy Mitchell in The Atlantic: Democrats Were Once Small Business Champions

Charlie Thaxton

May 16, 2019

In The Atlantic, Stacy Mitchell focuses on the Democrats' forgotten role as small business champions, and on Elizabeth Warren's reclaiming of the monopoly trustbusting tradition.READ MORE

ILSR Joins Petition to Ban Non-Compete Agreements, Highlights Harm to Local Businesses and Entrepreneurship

Charlie Thaxton

March 20, 2019

ILSR joined a petition calling on the FTC to ban non-compete agreements. We offer a rundown of how they undermine entrepreneurship and small businesses.READ MORE

Statement on Sen. Warren's proposal to Break Up Big Tech

Stacy Mitchell

March 8, 2019

ILSR applauds Senator Warren’s plan to restore the balance of power in our democracy and revive competition by breaking up big tech companies.READ MORE

ILSR Submits Comments to the FTC on Staples / Essendant Merger

Zach Freed

February 26, 2019

ILSR's comments explain why this merger will harm competition, undermine independent office supply businesses, and accelerate Amazon’s dominance of this industry, and why the FTC needs to take a much tougher stance on deals like this.READ MORE