Collision of realms: Iconic band R.E.M. restores 'Radio Free Europe' single for aid of endangered news medium
R.E.M.'s rockin' remix of their classic hit, "Radio Free Europe," is dropping soon, and it's all for a righteous cause—supporting the real Radio Free Europe!
That's right, the U.S. government-funded broadcasting service providing news to oversea markets, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, is under the crosshairs of President Donald Trump's administration. They claim these media outlets are a colossal waste and propagate a liberal agenda. Yet, a federal judge has ordered the administration to restore $12 million of the allocated funding to keep the service from going dark this June.
The song's opening line, "Decide for yourself if radio's going to stay," sung by lead vocalist Michael Stipe, couldn't be more applicable today. As Stipe put it himself on Friday, "Whether it's music or a free press – censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere." He even sent a shout-out to the courageous journalists at Radio Free Europe, honoring them on World Press Freedom Day.
Stephen Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, finds R.E.M.'s music a celebratory symbol of freedom. He believes that just like the band's music, the organization's journalists aim to inspire and uphold freedom for audiences who may not always have access to it.
Originally launched on an independent label back in 1981, the "Radio Free Europe" single marked R.E.M.'s very first step onto the global stage. The band eventually made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before calling it quits in 2011.
This time around, the five-song EP will include the original recording of the song, a recent remix by collaborator Jacknife Lee, and three other tracks they recorded back in the day – the single's B-side, "Sitting Still," the instrumental "Wh. Tornado," and a never-before-heard "Radio Free Dub" remix. Producer Mitch Easter, who handled the original recording session in 1981, is supervising this rerelease.
So, mark your calendars, fellow freedom fighters! The EP streams on Friday, and you can snag a special vinyl pressing at indie record stores or R.E.M.'s online store. All proceeds from vinyl sales go straight to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, so you'll not only be rocking out but also making a big difference in the battle for truth and democracy!
This fundraising effort, called Radio Free Europe 2025, isn't just a celebration of R.E.M.'s music but stands as a powerful testament to their dedication to artistic freedom and press independence in a world where censorship still looms large. Raise your voices with R.E.M., and let freedom ring loud and clear!
[1] https://www.anguage-services.com/blog/the-resurgence-of-censorship-in-2021/[2] https://www.rferl.org/event/radio-free-europe-2025-remastered-5-song-ep/31212778.html[3] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pressfreedom/report-us-press-freedom-worsens-in-trump-era-index-shows-idUSKBN29620B[4] https://www.npr.org/2021/05/04/994379685/r-e-m-remasters-radio-free-europe-to-support-radio-free-europe-libetry
- AI technology, in the light of the ongoing debate about censorship, could potentially be used to safeguard free press and artistic freedom, as seen in the resurgence of censorship in 2021.
- The national registry of news media outlets, such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, could face increased scrutiny and potential threats to their continued operation, given the current global political climate.
- In a world where censorship is still prevalent, the World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of speech and press, as emphasized by Michael Stipe and Radio Free Europe journalists.
- In the realm of entertainment and music, R.E.M.'s "Radio Free Europe" single demonstrates the power of art to inspire and champion democratic values, echoing the mission of national organizations like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- As evidenced by the legal battles surrounding Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the law has an essential role in ensuring the survival of national broadcasting services that provide news to overseas markets.
- Amid calls for artistic freedom and the ongoing fight against censorship, the release of R.E.M.'s remastered "Radio Free Europe" EP stands as a symbol of hope and unity across the globe, with all proceeds from vinyl sales supporting Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
