Title: A resolution expressing support for the designation of "Public Radio Music Day" and deep appreciation for the role of public radio music stations in serving listeners, musicians, and hundreds of communities in the United States.
Policy area: Arts, Culture, Religion

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.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 444 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 444

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            November 4, 2021

     Mr. Blunt (for himself and Mr. Coons) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


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

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 approximately 691 public radio music stations serve rural and urban 
        communities in all 50 States, 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--

    (1) developing artists and audiences;

    (2) sustaining music and performers; and

    (3) 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--

    (1) helping audiences discover new and emerging musicians; and

    (2) providing deep explorations into the history and cultural impact of 
music;

Whereas public radio music stations--

    (1) tailor their content and programming to reflect regional tastes and 
talent;

    (2) make music more accessible through local performances, studio 
sessions, artist interviews, and music journalism; and

    (3) 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 over-the-
        air, on-stage, and digital and social media;
Whereas the emphasis of public radio music stations 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 public radio 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 musical experiences 
        to underserved populations and promote broad access to music for the 
        public;
Whereas, throughout the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, public 
        radio stations have confronted significant challenges in protecting the 
        health of station employees and maintaining broadcast operations while 
        continuing to provide audiences with high-quality music from local 
        artists and musicians;
Whereas, during the COVID-19 pandemic, public radio music stations have 
        endeavored to support the well-being of communities through the unifying 
        power of music, including by maintaining connections with artists 
        through in-home concerts and other specialized programming;
Whereas the demonstrated commitment of public radio music stations 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'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the designation of ``Public Radio Music Day''; 
        and
            (2) expresses its deep appreciation for the role of public 
        radio music stations, particularly during the Coronavirus 
        Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in serving listeners, 
        musicians, and hundreds of communities in the United States.
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