[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 158 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5556-S5557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 813--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

  Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. Blunt) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 813

       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

[[Page S5557]]

     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
       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 in serving listeners, musicians, and 
     hundreds of communities in the United States.

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