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Gene Simmons Leads Campaign for Artist Royalties on Radio

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 0:51 GMT by WXYZ
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 14th, 2026 - Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and frontman of KISS, is intensifying his long-standing campaign to overhaul artist compensation in the United States, specifically focusing on securing royalties for radio airplay. Simmons, alongside media partner Scripps News, is actively lobbying members of Congress to amend existing copyright laws - a move that could fundamentally reshape the financial landscape for musicians across the nation.

The current U.S. system stands in stark contrast to the vast majority of the world. While performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and BMI collect royalties for public performance of music - meaning venues, restaurants, and increasingly, digital platforms - terrestrial radio broadcasts are largely exempt from direct artist compensation. This anomaly leaves a significant revenue stream untapped for creators, especially at a time when other income sources are increasingly precarious.

"For decades, American artists have been uniquely disadvantaged," Simmons stated in a press conference earlier today. "While our music fills the airwaves and drives radio station profits, we receive little to no direct financial benefit. It's a system that dates back to a different era, and it's simply no longer sustainable or equitable."

The origins of this exception are rooted in the early days of radio, when stations argued that playing music was a form of promotion for artists, offsetting the lack of direct payment. However, critics argue that this logic has long outlived its usefulness. The argument now centers on the immense profits generated by radio stations through advertising revenue directly tied to the popularity of the music they broadcast.

Simmons' push comes at a pivotal moment. The music industry has been drastically transformed by the rise of digital streaming. While streaming services do pay royalties, the rates are often considered insufficient to support many artists, particularly those who are not established superstars. The combined impact of dwindling album sales, reduced touring opportunities (exacerbated by recent global events), and low streaming payouts has created a financial squeeze for musicians.

"There's been a shift, and it's a massive one," Simmons explained in an interview with Scripps News. "The economic model for artists has been broken for years. We're not getting paid for the value we create, and radio is a significant part of that missing piece. It's not about getting rich; it's about surviving, about being able to continue making the music people love."

The proposed amendment to copyright law, informally dubbed the "Fair Airplay Act," seeks to establish a system similar to those in place in Canada, Europe, and Australia. These systems typically involve a percentage of radio station revenue being allocated to a collective rights management organization, which then distributes royalties to artists based on airplay data.

The legislation faces potential challenges. Radio industry lobbyists are expected to fiercely oppose the changes, arguing that royalty payments would significantly increase operating costs and potentially lead to station closures or reduced programming. They also maintain that radio continues to provide valuable promotion for artists. However, supporters of the bill point to the billions of dollars in advertising revenue generated by radio stations each year, asserting that a small percentage could be fairly allocated to the artists who drive that revenue.

The momentum behind the Fair Airplay Act is growing. Several key members of Congress have publicly expressed support for the initiative, and a grassroots campaign led by artists and fans is gaining traction on social media. Organizations like the Future of Music Coalition have also voiced their backing, emphasizing the importance of a more equitable and sustainable music ecosystem.

Experts predict a heated debate in the coming months, but many believe that the time for change is ripe. "This isn't just about Gene Simmons and KISS," says music industry analyst Sarah Chen. "It's about the future of music in America. If we don't address this issue, we risk stifling creativity and losing a vital part of our cultural heritage." The outcome of this legislative battle will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for artists and the music industry for years to come.