The popular alternative rock band R.E.M. is marking World Press Freedom Day and the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) with a special reissue of its 1981 debut single, “Radio Free Europe,” RFE/RL reported.
“Radio Free Europe’s journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you’re doing your job when you make the right enemies,” Mike Mills, a founding member of R.E.M. said.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
The band says the track, which helped launch their career, also celebrates the mission of RFE/RL and other US-funded broadcasters currently facing budget cuts and legal battles over funding under US President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Whether it’s music or a free press – censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere,” said R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, applauding the work of journalists at RFE/RL, many of whom report under threat and censorship.
The US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees RFE/RL, Voice of America, and others, had its grant to RFE/RL terminated following a recent executive order. The move is being contested in court.
Supporters warn the cuts will silence vital pro-democracy voices abroad.
“R.E.M.’s music has always embodied a celebration of freedom,” said RFE/RL President Stephen Capus. “Those are the very aims of our journalists at Radio Free Europe.”
White House Tried to Block Ukraine Support Bill Before House Vote, Journalist Says
The band will release a limited-edition orange vinyl of the single, with proceeds supporting RFE/RL and its press freedom mission.
Four RFE/RL journalists and contributors – Ihar Losik, Nika Novak, Vladyslav Yesypenko, and Farid Mehralizada – are currently imprisoned on charges related to their work.
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter
