III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 865 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 25, 2024 Mr. Cornyn (for himself and Mr. Coons ) 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 October 23, 2024, as 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 23,800,000 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 687 public radio music stations serve rural and urban communities in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; Whereas local public radio music stations celebrate a broad collection of sounds and styles, including jazz, blues, classical, Americana, alternative, folk, roots, soul, bluegrass, and other genres; Whereas 96 percent of over-the-air broadcasts of classical music in the United States come from local public radio stations; Whereas local, noncommercial, not-for-profit, public radio music stations develop local artists and audiences, sustain music and performers, and educate and enrich 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 free over-the-air broadcasts, podcasts, videos, digital, and on-stage; Whereas public radio music stations have served rural communities by— (1) providing music discovery options for rural audiences; (2) enabling musicians in rural communities to reach public radio audiences; and (3) promoting and preserving music genres with deep cultural connections; Whereas the emphasis of public radio 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 to come together for the shared enjoyment of music and to support the local music economy; Whereas local public radio stations partner with schools, hospitals, and other community organizations to promote broad access to music for the public; Whereas the values and collective commitment of public radio music stations to community service, education, and cultural support separate these nonprofit, noncommercial radio stations from other music providers; and Whereas, October 23, 2024, would be an appropriate day to designate as Public Radio Music Day : Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of October 23, 2024, as 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.