Overview
- The KISS co-founder is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on Dec. 9 in support of the American Music Fairness Act, two days after he and his band receive the Kennedy Center Honors.
- The legislation would create a federal performance royalty so terrestrial radio compensates recording artists, bringing treatment closer to that of digital streaming services.
- The National Association of Broadcasters opposes the measure, and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says additional fees would undercut stations’ ability to provide free local news and emergency information.
- A small-broadcaster provision would let low-revenue stations play unlimited music for about $1.37 per day.
- More than 300 artists and estates have urged passage, arguing radio generates billions from music while performers go unpaid and that Americans lose an estimated $300 million annually in overseas royalties.