R.E.M. release ‘Radio Free Europe’ benefit EP as Trump moves to cut PBS & NPR funding

R.E.M. have announced a new Radio Free Europe EP which is out digitally now and will be out on vinyl on September 12. It’s in celebration of the 75th anniversary of radio stations Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, and comes just ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3. The EP includes the original Hib-Tone single mix, Mitch Easter’s 1981 remix, a new remix by Jacknife Lee, plus Hib-Tone 7″ b-sides “Sitting Still” and “Wh. Tornado.” You can watch the video for the Jacknife Lee remix and listen to the whole EP below.

“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,” Stipe said in a statement. Proceeds from all vinyl sales will go to RFE/RL, an editorially independent nonpartisan and nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. In March the Trump administration froze approximately $75 in funding granted to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which has been a source of uncensored information to oppressed countries since 1949. Stipe also appeared on CBS This Morning to talk about RFE/RL and the new EP. “We love journalism. We love freedom of speech…and we love the world,” Stipe told Anthony Mason. Watch that segment below.

The EP feels especially well-timed, as President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to stop funding for NPR and PBS.

Radio Side:

Radio Free Europe 2025 (Jacknife Lee Remix)*
Radio Free Dub (Mitch Easter 1981 Remix)*

Liberty Side:

Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single)
Sitting Still (Original Hib-Tone B-Side)
Wh. Tornado (From Cassette Set) **