The rock band R.E.M. has rereleased a special edition of their debut single, “Radio Free Europe,” to support Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a U.S.-funded media outlet facing funding cuts from the Trump administration.
RFE/RL, which delivers independent news in 27 languages to 23 countries with restricted media, is among the U.S. government-funded services targeted by the administration as wasteful and biased. On April 29, 2025, a federal judge ordered the restoration of $12 million in congressionally appropriated funds to RFE/RL, which its lawyers said was critical to avoid shutdown by June after 75 years of operation.
According to the Associated Press, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, whose song opens with “Decide yourself if radio’s gonna stay,” emphasized press freedom, stating, “Censorship anywhere threatens truth everywhere.”
On World Press Freedom Day, Friday he saluted RFE/RL’s journalists. RFE/RL President Stephen Capus noted that R.E.M.’s music embodies freedom, aligning with the organization’s mission to inform audiences in oppressive regions.
Originally released in 1981 on a small independent label, “Radio Free Europe” introduced the Athens, Georgia band, later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before disbanding in 2011. The song, also enshrined in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for shaping indie rock, is reissued as a five-song EP. It includes the original track, a 2025 remix by Jacknife Lee, the B-side “Sitting Still,” an instrumental “Wh. Tornado,” and an unreleased “Radio Free Dub” remix.
Supervised by original producer Mitch Easter, the EP began streaming Friday. A limited vinyl edition is available at independent record stores and R.E.M.’s online store, with all vinyl proceeds benefiting RFE/RL.
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