Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the designation of "Public Radio Music Day" and its deep appreciation for the role of public radio music stations in serving listeners, musicians, and hundreds of communities in the United States.

Public Radio Music Day Whereas more than 25,000,000 listeners in the United States tune in weekly to local noncommercial radio stations to discover, learn about, and enjoy music selections, artists, and genres that are, in many cases, available only on public radio; Whereas some 691 public radio music stations serve rural and urban communities alike in all 50 States plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam; Whereas local public radio music stations celebrate a broad collection of sounds and styles, including jazz, blues, classical, Americana, alternative, folk, roots, bluegrass, and other regional and eclectic genres; Whereas 96 percent of over-the-air broadcasts of classical music in the United States comes from local public radio stations; Whereas local, noncommercial, not-for-profit public radio music stations are an essential and indispensable force in developing artists and audiences, sustaining music and performers, and educating and enriching their communities; Whereas local public radio music stations are locally staffed and programmed, and share core values of music discovery, curation, preservation, and performance with their communities; Whereas knowledgeable local hosts, live announcers, and expert curation on public radio music stations have a proven track record of helping audiences discover new and emerging musicians and providing deep explorations into music’s history and cultural impact; Whereas public radio music stations tailor their content and programming to reflect regional tastes and talent, make music more accessible through local performances, studio sessions, artist interviews, and music journalism, and broadcast news and information about the local music industry; Whereas public radio music stations connect musicians and artists with local audiences through an expanding range of platforms, including on the air, on stage, and on digital and social media; Whereas public radio’s emphasis on music presentation enables new, emerging, and essential artists to build deep and lasting relationships with audiences, adding to the journey of lifelong music enjoyment; Whereas noncommercial music stations serve as cultural hubs in their communities by providing a place for listeners of diverse backgrounds and ages to come together for the shared thrill of music and to support the local music economy; Whereas local public radio stations partner with schools, hospitals, and other community organizations to provide instruments and experience with music to underserved populations and promote broad access to music in the public square; Whereas throughout the COVID–19 pandemic, public radio stations have confronted significant challenges with protecting the health of station employees and maintaining broadcast operations while continuing to provide audiences with high-quality music from local artists and musicians and enable musical discovery; Whereas during the pandemic, public radio music has endeavored to support the emotional needs and well-being of communities through the unifying power of music and continued connection with artists performing at-home concerts and other specialized programming; Whereas public radio music’s network of values and collective commitment to community service, education, and cultural support separates nonprofit local public radio stations from other music providers; and Whereas November 10, 2021, would be an appropriate day to designate as Public Radio Music Day That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of Public Radio Music Day (2) expresses its deep appreciation for the role of public radio music stations, particularly during the COVID–19 pandemic, in serving listeners, musicians, and hundreds of communities in the United States.

Summary: This resolution supports the designation of Public Radio Music Day. It also expresses deep appreciation for the role of public radio music stations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, in serving listeners, musicians, and hundreds of communities in the United States.