III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 813 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 29, 2022 Mr. Coons (for himself and Mr. Blunt ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation RESOLUTION Expressing the support of the Senate 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 27,000,000 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 697 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, urban 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 local artists and audiences; (2) sustaining music and performers; and (3) educating and enriching their audiences and communities; Whereas local public radio music stations are locally staffed and programmed, are connected to the unique culture of their community, and share core values of music discovery, curation, preservation, and performance with their audiences; 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 homegrown 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 public radio’s emphasis on music presentation adds 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 to promote the public's broad access to music; Whereas public radio music's values and collective commitment to community service, education, and cultural support separate these nonprofit, noncommercial radio stations from other music providers; and Whereas, October 26, 2022, 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 in serving listeners, musicians, and hundreds of communities in the United States.