III 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 444 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

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.