Gene Simmons, the legendary bassist and co-lead vocalist of KISS, is set to testify before a Senate panel regarding legislation that would require radio corporations to compensate performers for airplay. The testimony is scheduled for December 9, 2025, according to reporting by The Hill.
Simmons’ appearance before the Senate comes in support of the American Music Fairness Act. This legislation aims to address long-standing concerns about artist compensation in the radio industry. In a statement, Simmons outlined his position on the matter.
“Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue,” Simmons said. “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.”
This Senate hearing represents a historic moment for the music industry. It marks the first significant legislative push on this issue in over a decade. The musicFIRST coalition noted that this will be the first Senate hearing on radio royalty legislation since 2009, underscoring the urgency of addressing what supporters call the “radio loophole.” The American Music Fairness Act (S.326/H.R.861) is bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA). It is designed to close a significant gap in artist compensation.
The core issue at stake is substantial. Radio broadcasters generated $13.6 billion in advertising revenue last year, yet artists currently receive no compensation from terrestrial radio broadcasts. This disparity has long frustrated musicians and industry advocates who argue that artists deserve fair payment for their work.
Simmons is not alone in this advocacy effort. More than 300 major artists, including Gene Simmons, signed a letter to Congressional leaders earlier in 2025 urging passage of the American Music Fairness Act. The legislation has garnered broad support from the Recording Academy, the musicFIRST coalition, and community broadcasters. These include the Alliance for Community Media, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, and the Prometheus Radio Project.
Simmons will testify alongside Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. SoundExchange is the nonprofit organization that collects and distributes digital streaming royalties. Together, their testimony aims to demonstrate the widespread support for fair compensation standards in radio broadcasting. It will highlight the urgency of closing the radio royalty gap that has persisted for decades.
