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Gene Simmons Fights for Artist Royalties on Radio

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 15:17 GMT by WPTV-TV
      Locale: Not Specified, UNITED STATES

MIAMI - Gene Simmons, the flamboyant frontman and bassist for the legendary rock band KISS, isn't just known for his iconic stage persona and decades of musical success. Increasingly, he's becoming a vocal advocate for a fundamental shift in how artists are compensated in the modern music industry, specifically focusing on the antiquated system surrounding radio airplay. Simmons is actively lobbying members of Congress to pass legislation mandating royalty payments to artists and songwriters whenever their work is broadcast on terrestrial radio.

This isn't a new fight, but Simmons' high profile and passionate advocacy is injecting renewed energy into a debate that's simmered for years. Currently, a unique and often criticized exemption within U.S. copyright law shields terrestrial radio stations from having to pay performance royalties. This means that while streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, and even businesses playing music in stores, are obligated to compensate artists, traditional radio enjoys a free pass. Simmons argues this is a glaring inequity that disproportionately harms working musicians, particularly those just starting their careers.

"It's a matter of fairness, pure and simple," Simmons explained in a recent interview. "Radio continues to be a significant driver of music discovery and consumption. They profit immensely from the creative work of artists, yet contribute virtually nothing back into the system. It's a business model that was perhaps understandable in a different era, but it's unsustainable and unfair in the age of digital music."

The rationale behind the historical exemption is complex, rooted in the early days of radio broadcasting when it was seen as a promotional tool for artists, not a profit-making enterprise in its own right. However, the landscape has drastically changed. Radio is no longer simply a promotional outlet; it's a multi-billion dollar industry generating significant revenue through advertising. Critics of the exemption argue that radio stations should be treated like any other business that utilizes copyrighted material for commercial gain.

Simmons is quick to point out that his motivation isn't purely self-serving. "This isn't about the established stars like myself," he emphasized. "I'm fortunate enough to have a secure financial future. This is about the young artists who are just starting out, pouring their hearts and souls into their music, and struggling to make a living. They need the support to create, to innovate, and to continue enriching our lives with their art."

He's collaborating with industry organizations like the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) and the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA) to build momentum for the proposed legislation. The NMPA represents music publishers who collect royalties on behalf of songwriters, while the SGA advocates directly for the rights of songwriters. Both groups have long championed the cause of performance royalties for radio airplay.

"We're making progress, but it's slow and arduous," Simmons admits. "There's significant lobbying power on the other side, representing the radio industry, who naturally resist any measure that would increase their operating costs. But we're determined to push this through. We need everyone - artists, fans, and industry professionals - to get involved and let their representatives know that this is an important issue."

The proposed legislation isn't without potential complications. Concerns have been raised about the impact on smaller, independent radio stations, some of which operate on tight margins. Proponents suggest a tiered system could be implemented, with royalty rates adjusted based on station size and revenue. Another potential point of contention is determining how to accurately track and distribute royalties to artists and songwriters, especially given the fragmented nature of the music industry and the multiple layers of rights ownership.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits are substantial. A new revenue stream for artists and songwriters could revitalize the music industry, fostering greater creativity and innovation. It could also help address the growing income inequality within the music ecosystem, where a small percentage of artists capture the vast majority of the revenue. The fight for radio royalty reform isn't just about fairness; it's about ensuring the sustainability of the music industry for generations to come. Simmons' involvement shines a spotlight on this crucial issue, and his celebrity power could prove to be the catalyst for long-overdue change.