Worlds collide: R.E.M. rereleases ‘Radio Free Europe’ single to benefit the threatened news service

R.E.M., the rock band, is releasing a special edition of their debut single “Radio Free Europe” to support Radio Free Europe. The U.S. government-funded media service faced budget cuts due to claims of wasteful spending and promoting a liberal bias. A federal judge recently ordered the Trump administration to restore $12 million in funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to prevent its shutdown. R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe emphasized the importance of free expression, stating that censorship is a threat to truth everywhere. The band’s music has always symbolized freedom, according to RFE/RL president Stephen Capus. The reissue of the single will include the original track, a new remix, and other songs from the band’s early days. The proceeds from the vinyl sales will go to support RFE/RL.