[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 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

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

                              S. Res. 444

       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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