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Radio Free Europe: R.E.M. Backs Radio Free Europe With Remix For World Press Freedom Day
Radio Free Europe - R.E.M. Backs Radio Free Europe With Remix For World Press Freedom Day
May 02, 2025
By RFE/RL
R.E.M. band members Peter Buck (left), Mike Mills (second left), Michael Stipe (second right), and Bill Berry attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York last year.
The release of the single “Radio Free Europe” in 1981 introduced the alternative rock band R.E.M. to the world.
It also reminded the world of the role the US-funded broadcaster plays in building democracy in countries where a free press is banned or not yet fully established.
To mark World Press Freedom day on May 3, the band has announced a special reissue of the single to celebrate the upcoming 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty amid a fight over winding down operations at a number of US-funded broadcasters in what is seen by many as an attempt to silence pro-democracy media.
“Whether it’s music or a free press –- censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe,” said Michael Stipe, lead singer and a founding member of the band.
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May 02, 2025
By RFE/RL
R.E.M. band members Peter Buck (left), Mike Mills (second left), Michael Stipe (second right), and Bill Berry attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York last year.
The release of the single “Radio Free Europe” in 1981 introduced the alternative rock band R.E.M. to the world.
It also reminded the world of the role the US-funded broadcaster plays in building democracy in countries where a free press is banned or not yet fully established.
To mark World Press Freedom day on May 3, the band has announced a special reissue of the single to celebrate the upcoming 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty amid a fight over winding down operations at a number of US-funded broadcasters in what is seen by many as an attempt to silence pro-democracy media.
“Whether it’s music or a free press –- censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe,” said Michael Stipe, lead singer and a founding member of the band.
/snip/
/snip
The original: