Bipartisan Resolution Commemorates the Essential Service of Public Radio Music Stations

noncomMUSIC Alliance

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2022) – This week, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced S. Res. 813, a resolution honoring the unique role of public radio music stations to the public media system. This bipartisan resolution marks October 26, 2022, as Public Radio Music Day and expresses appreciation for local public radio music stations and their service to listeners and musicians across all 50 states and U.S. territories. U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced a House companion, H. Res. 1306, in July, which garnered 12 additional bipartisan cosponsors before the House left for the October recess.

“Public radio music stations provide their audiences with a unique listening experience, from showcasing local artists to educating listeners, and engaging with local communities,” said Senator Roy Blunt. “Millions of people enjoy all that public music radio has to offer every day and I hope future generations will have the same opportunity. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to mark Public Radio Music Day and to celebrate public radio’s contributions to the arts, education, and culture.”

“Public radio provides entertainment, education, and life-saving information across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Radio stations like WDDE in Dover showcase the best of our creative communities and emerging artists to Delawareans and radio listeners across the globe,” said Senator Chris Coons. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to recognize October 26 as Public Radio Music Day and celebrate the impact of public music stations on artists and fans.”

The noncomMUSIC Alliance will host the third annual event focusing on the theme of “Discovering the Sound of Local Communities” with public radio music stations across the nation. The commemorative celebration spotlights public radio stations’ return to producing live local concerts and music discovery events for their communities across all genres. Every week, more than 25 million American listeners tune in to local non-commercial radio stations to discover, learn, and enjoy music selections, artists, and genres that are – in many cases – available only on public radio. 

“When I was in college, I loved working at my university’s radio station,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon. “Public radio stations are an incredible source of entertainment and education, providing listeners across the United States a gateway to the world. The diversity of their innovative programming is an unparalleled public service which I am proud to celebrate with this resolution designating October 26, 2022, as Public Radio Music Day.”

“Public radio provides an important service to our communities and in the lives of Americans across the country,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize October 26 as Public Radio Music Day, and I am glad to support our local radio stations as they continue to provide strong educational and cultural value throughout the United States.”

To learn more about Public Radio Music Day, visit our website here.

About the noncomMUSIC Alliance

The noncomMUSIC Alliance, with more than 150 partner public radio stations, celebrates noncommercial, nonprofit, local public radio’s role in connecting artists with the communities that enjoy and support their music.  Established in 2018, the Alliance’s primary aim is to bring diverse noncommercial music constituencies together, amplify their voices, and inform others – particularly public policy makers – about the need to support public radio’s role in local communities across the United States. To learn more about the noncomMUSIC Alliance, please visit noncomMUSIC.org.

facebook.com/noncommusicalliance
twitter.com/noncommusic
instagram.com/noncommusic

Contact:

Shana Armstrong, [email protected], 202-853-6220
Communications and Engagement Manager, Government & External Affairs, NPR

Download the Full Release