Whereas more than 25,500,000 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 some 697 public radio music stations serve rural and urban communities alike in all 50 States plus 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 95 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 developing artists and audiences, sustaining music and performers, and educating and enriching their audiences and communities; Whereas local public radio music stations are locally staffed and programmed, 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 helping audiences discover new and emerging homegrown musicians and providing deep explorations into music’s history and cultural impact; Whereas public radio music stations tailor their content and programming to reflect regional tastes and talent, make music more accessible through local performances, studio sessions, artist interviews, and music journalism, and 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, live streaming, podcasts, video platforms, emerging digital platforms, and on stage