[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 24, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 425--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, Mr. Cornyn, and Mr. Braun) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 425

       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 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, alternative, folk, roots, bluegrass, 
     and other genres;
       Whereas 95 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 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 25, 2023, 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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