"Now, I wonder...if HBO bought the 'rights' to broadcast a free concert, who had the authority to SELL those rights? And why would they? I am fine... I saw it... I even downloaded the Pete Seeger part I wanted, but something smells funny."

I'm not sure why everyone is so surprised. The "official" events of the inauguration, including this concert, are put together by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The events are supported by donors, and the rules for donation are similar to rules for donating to candidates.

There are a number of events that are put on by the committee that are not free, some events are by invitation only, and others are open to the public.

There are other concerts. Tonight the Disney concert held a "youth" concert.   MTV was involved with another affair.   They pay for the rights to event.   

HBO paid for the rights to broadcast yesterdays concert. The money tey paid for that enabled the committee to put on the event. The event drew a crowd that gathered in Washington was estimated at close to 500,000 - and they were able to watch for free.   I'm having a real hard time figureing out why everyone feels that HBO needs to give it away for free.   

This is nothing like giving bonuses to CEO's. It is good to question authority, but it should always be accompanied by reason.

I know the conspiracy theorists love to find a problem with such events, but events like this are not new and it is very upfront. I know everyone wants everything for free - but these are the same people who grumble at paying taxes.