Radio Free Europe

Play It Again R.E.M.: Band Re-Releases Anthem In Support Of Radio Free Europe https://www.rferl.org/a/rem-releases-radio-free-europe-world-press-freedom-day/33403021.html






"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."

Lyrically, R.E.M.’s “Radio Free Europe” has been interpreted as a commentary on the desire for authentic information amid a landscape of misinformation. The upbeat and jangly sound of the music contrasting with heavier themes to capture a spirit of resistance and hope.

That spirit of resistance, said Mike Mills, a founding member of R.E.M., lives on in what he called the “OG” (Original Gangster) of pro-democracy broadcasting.

“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,” he said.

Four RFE/RL journalists and contributors -- Ihar Losik, Nika Novak, Vladyslav Yesypenko, and Farid Mehralizada -- are currently imprisoned on charges related to their work.

To commemorate the song, R.E.M. said it was releasing a limited-edition orange vinyl recording of “Radio Free Europe” as well as merchandise with proceeds going to RFE/RL. "





Partial Good News-> Voice of America Reporters Are Set to Return to Work The Good - The court left in place a lower court ruling requiring journalists from Voice of America to be reinstated -- they were put on administrative leave the day of the executive order -- and be allowed to resume the broadcaster's news programming. The Bad - Unlike Voice of America, which is a federal entity, RFE/RL, RFA, and MBN are private non-profit organizations, funded through grants approved by Congress. The three non-profit organizations have been forced to make staff cuts in order to continue operating as they await funds from their grants that the USAGM has held up.



Gregg Chadwick
Radio Dreams (Berlin)
30"x40" oil on linen 2010


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