Gene Simmons Condemns Radio for Not Compensating Artists

Gene Simmons, co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, recently addressed a Senate Judiciary subcommittee about the lack of compensation for artists when their music is broadcast on terrestrial radio. He presented a compelling argument regarding the injustice faced by performers, emphasizing that this issue has persisted for decades.

Music Fairness Act and the Call for Change

Simmons, who received a Kennedy Center Honor alongside his KISS bandmates, highlighted the struggles of legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra, who never received payment for their radio performances. He stated, “Let’s call it for what it is — an injustice.” This conversation centers around the proposed Music Fairness Act, which aims to establish a music performance right, requiring radio stations to license songs played on air.

The Current Landscape of Music Compensation

Currently, songwriters are compensated for their work, while performers receive payment when their music is aired on satellite and streaming platforms. However, terrestrial radio remains a significant gap in artist remuneration. “When you work hard and you get to the top, what do you got? Zipper-rooney,” Simmons remarked, urging legislators to support the bill. He believes opposing it is un-American and that failure to change the situation is unfair to future generations.

The Broader Implications for Artists

Simmons further argued that the perceived “small issue” of artist compensation holds broader cultural significance. He recalled how music icons like Elvis and Sinatra represent the United States on an international stage, and failing to treat such artists fairly sends the wrong message about the nation’s values.

Legislative Challenges and Support

• Donald Trump is expected to sign the legislation if it reaches his desk.
• Historical attempts to establish a performance right date back to the 1970s with Sinatra leading the charge.
• Broadcast industry groups, primarily the National Association of Broadcasters, have been effective in blocking previous efforts.

Nearly half of the House lawmakers are currently backing the Local Radio Freedom Act, which aims to prevent new performance fees for sound recordings on local radio stations. The proposal includes exemptions for smaller stations, specifically those with annual revenues under $1.5 million and their parent companies under $10 million.

The Impact on Radio and Communities

Henry Hinton, president and CEO of Inner Banks Media, shared insights during the hearing. He expressed concerns that implementing new fees could threaten jobs and reduce local engagement within communities. Hinton emphasized that artists benefit from the wide reach of radio, which plays a vital role in connecting them with listeners.

As the discussion around artist compensation continues, the Music Fairness Act represents a critical step towards ensuring that performers receive the recognition and payment they deserve in the era of modern broadcasting.