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