Gene Simmons to Testify Before Senate to Support Artist Radio Play Compensation

Gene Simmons, co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, will testify before the US Senate’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee. The subject of the hearing is the American Music Fairness Act, which “establishes a performance right for sound recordings broadcast by terrestrial (AM/FM) radio.”

Why it matters:

• Currently, AM/FM radio stations are not required to pay royalties to performers because of a loophole in the existing legislation regarding the issue.

• If this bill passes, AM/FM will be similar to streaming, satellite radio, and internet radio, all of which require royalties to be paid every time the song is played.

• musicFIRST, a coalition dedicated to fair artist compensation, has said that radio corporations earned $13.6 billion in advertising revenue in 2024.

Background:

• The Recording Academy, musicFIRST, over 300 artists, and several community broadcasting groups all support the bill.

• Simmons will testify alongside Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, an organization that collects and distributes streaming royalties to recorded rights owners.

What they said:

• Simmons: “Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue. The American Music Fairness Act represents sound public policy. Artists must be properly compensated for their creative work. I look forward to meeting with both Republican and Democratic Senators to discuss why this legislation is crucial for thousands of present and future American recording artists.”