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Fox News: ‘We Hope R.E.M. Was Able to Satisfy Their Publicity Fix’ After Rockers Demand Network Stop Playing Their Music

Sep. 7, 2012 5:43pm Madeleine Morgenstern

Fox News on Friday responded to rock band R.E.M.’s demand that the network stop playing their music by essentially telling them to take a hike.

“Fox News Channel’s use of an R.E.M. song during Thursday’s edition of ‘Fox & Friends’ was in full accordance with its license agreements with all appropriate parties. Nevertheless, we’re always flattered to have this much attention for a song selection and we hope R.E.M. was able to satisfy their publicity fix,” a Fox News spokesperson said in a statement, according to Mediaite.

The band, which officially broke up last year, apparently reunited to issue a cease-and-desist order after Fox used their 1991 hit “Losing My Religion” during its coverage of the Democratic National Convention. The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone and Politico were among the news outlets that picked up the item.

“We have little or no respect for their puff adder brand of reportage. Our music does not belong there,” band member Michael Stipe said in a statement posted online Thursday.

“R.E.M. today, through its music publisher, Warner-Tamerlane Music, demanded that Fox News cease and desist from continuing its unlicensed and unauthorized use of the song,” the band wrote.

A letter obtained by Mediaite from Fox News’ senior vice president for legal affairs to Warner Music stated that the network was operating “in accordance with its license agreements…and is thereby permitted.”

Image source: Mediaite

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Comments (155)

billrow
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:25pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj_F9yRpx_M

Here is my favorite version of that particular REM song.
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- MAULEMALL
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:37pm
  mike the poof got all puffed…
  
  Report this comment
- Cemetery
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 8:54pm
  I didn’t even think R.E.M. was still around and I’m sure I’m not the only one. They should take whatever publicity they can get and stop being typical snotty leftist morons. You know this country is going downhill when mediocre irrelevant 90′s bands are upset that a conservative network is playing their music. Please kindly get over yourselves liberals.
  
  Report this comment
- TRUTHandFREEDOM
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 8:56pm
  With all of the good and great music that has been released over the past few decades, why are they even bothering with the mediocre stuff like REM?
  
  Report this comment
- Leopold
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:02pm
  Obama brings out the worst possible attitute in people. A behavior of hatred, envy, jealousy, racism, greed, and violence. He ruins the economy. Does not care about justice.
  
  He Is lawless and a very angry man.
  
  He is a man of fierce countenance.
  
  He looks like there is true darkness in him.
  
  And these people, REM, who I am pretty sure agree 100% with Obama, want to now decide who can and cannot play their music?
  
  Something has happened to the democrat party over the last couple of weeks. Something is different. They either all got their instructions from the same source, or they have completely lost control.
  There is a tightening happening. An aggression against Fox, conservative talkshows and any kind of opposition to Obama. When questioned they are reacting in a vicious manner.
  
  The corruption of the entire democrat party is almost complete.
  
  Dem delegates want to kill Romney.
  Live for government.
  Eliminate profits for corporations.
  Limit choice to only include abortion.
  Think republicans want to drown black people.
  Think Republicans are Nazis
  Think Christians want to kill Jews.
  Think Obama is Jesus.
  Heck, maybe even Obama thinks he is Jesus. He did say he will lower the sea level and heal the planet?
  They hate Israel.
  They hate God. Here I include Atheists.
  They really live in a different universe.
  
  I think there will be real violence the closer we get to the election. The left came so far. They will not allow to just lose it.
  
  Report this comment
- Shiroi Raion
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 1:06am
  Good. I never liked their music. If only Liberal media plays it, I won’t have to hear them anymore. The singer has an annoying whiny voice and the music is, I think, it’s less than mediocre – it’s bland, boring.
  
  Report this comment
- RSHLUVER
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 2:00am
  Lol!!
  
  Report this comment
- strewth_cobber
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 3:23am
  That boy’s got talent! And sings with more vocal range, and feeling, than Michael whats-his-name and Kylie Minogue put together! (which is about one whole tone and a semi-tone or one-and-a-half notes).
  
  Just wondering, how does the star of that video go at doing rap songs (with all their profanities)?
  
  Report this comment
- landman1
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 10:05am
  Say…..ain’t them the guys that put salad bowls on their heads? Oh , that’s right…that was Devo!! Well let’s play some Devo then…them guys rocked!
  
  Report this comment
- OhioRifleman
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 1:58pm
  REM? HOLY CRAP! I thought they were DRT a decade ago! Where have these cheese-wankers been?
  
  Now, if you want some HEAVY METAL CHEESE, try just about any video done by Hammerfall. Their songs are good (love their version of Man On A Silver Mountain), but their videos are either corny or poke fun at Metal videos in general…or both, in a few cases.
  
  /BRIAN BLESSED
  /rant
  
  Have a good day!
  
  Report this comment
Patriot Z
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:25pm
its ok seriously never could stand REM, whiney self egrandizing music. I mean really their songs epitomized whinneyness….uuuhhhheeeevveerybooodyyy huurrrttsss…waaahhhhh waahhhhhhhhh.

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- PorkPIG
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:06pm
  you beat me to it .
  REM= waaaahhhhh waaaaaaaahhhhhhh waaaaaaaaaahhhhh .
  
  Report this comment
- PeachyinGA
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:44pm
  Could be the very reason Fox felt their song was appropriate to play during the DNC convention.
  
  Report this comment
- castuslonginus
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 8:43pm
  Michael Stipe has always been a pretentious little pillowbiter .
  
  Report this comment
- ECtech
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:53pm
  I’ll go even further and say that R.E.M. sucks. How can they even be classified as “rock”? They are much more like wussified “pop”.
  
  Report this comment
- darkknight91
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 12:53am
  I always wanted to beat those sissies up.
  
  Report this comment
- Master.Debater
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 7:27am
  I agree, don’t think REM would be classified as “rockers”
  
  Report this comment
- The Jewish Avenger
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 8:01am
  ungh….*sniff*
  
  Soooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeetiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeessssss
  
  Oh my gosh we used to mock that song just to kill the monotony of it
  
  “Now its time to sing along”
  Now its time to wear a thong
  
  “Everybody hurts…”
  Everybody Smurfs…
  
  Summary of letter:
  Dear former washed up REM peeps and reps
  Go screw and go back to bed, make a better song
  
  “YOU WROTE A BAD SONG PETEY!”
  
  Report this comment
- justangry
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 8:32am
  Well, you aren’t Shiny Happy People at all.
  
  Report this comment
karencole
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:24pm
Rem = cowards

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- justangry
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:56pm
  How so?
  
  Report this comment
- DarkJello
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 11:04pm
  Insulting to… cowards!!!
  
  R.E.M put out some songs I like. If they are “left”, why so little tolerance?
  
  Report this comment
U.N.hater
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:19pm
Who cares what that g a y singer think’s.Fox should have never used their music in the first place. Quit promote’ing g a y anything…

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- DarkJello
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:27pm
  I don’t care if he is or is not of that persuasion.
  
  I like several of their songs. This is total lamesauce on their part.
  
  FOX should “torture” and/or “waterboard” them by playing even more songs. Delicious!
  
  Report this comment
- sparkyrules
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:34pm
  Some of my best freinds are queer.I don’t care.We’re still right and tight.They know(2) my stance.They’d DIE for me and me for them.We’re friends for life.There is no such a thing as gay ‘marriage’.
  
  Report this comment
- Loki
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:40pm
  his orientation doesn’t matter.
  his crappy music is the issue. keep playing the music fox.. play it everyday…
  
  Report this comment
- justangry
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:55pm
  I like REM’s music. I don’t like Michael Stipe’s sexual orientation, but don’t hate him for being gay like so many on here. That being said, he’s right about Fox. It’s a miserable organization with very little journalistic integrity. Of course, all the networks are miserable, Fox just panders to social progressives.
  
  Report this comment
- Taquoshi
  Posted on September 8, 2012 at 4:59pm
  Once the band signed the contract with ASCAP, BMI and whoever else, they ceded control rights and use of the song. The band members may not LIKE Fox News using the song, but Fox paid for and received permission to use the song. The band members don’t have the right to issue a cease and desist.
  
  Bottom line – tough noogies, R.E.M.
  
  Report this comment
TJexcite
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:18pm
Well at least they did a real cease and desists order over the Maroon 5 guy who sent a foul tweet and thought that was good.

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Satrix
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:18pm
R.E.M. didn’t write that song! They didn’t build that band! What’s the matter? Are they not receiving those obscene royalties and profits? Didn’t they make enough money on that song already? It’s about time they starting giving back. Where would they be without….hmm..I don’t know…Warner Bros.–that big corporation who financially backed them.

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- mcgrawactor1
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 8:14pm
  Awesome post!!
  
  Report this comment
reality based lifeform
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:12pm
R.E.M. = Romney Envying Musicians

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- MAULEMALL
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:39pm
  rem = Really empty morons
  
  Report this comment
Amica
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:12pm
Puff adder?

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- Amica
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:15pm
  Puff adder is the common name of several snake species:
  Bitis arietans, a venomous snake species found in Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula
  Bitis, any other member of this genus
  Heterodon, a genus of harmless North American colubrid snakes
  Puff adder may also refer to:
  Puff Adder (comics), a mutant supervillain in the Marvel Universe
  
  Hm…I wonder which one he means.
  
  Report this comment
- chips1
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:38pm
  I thought it was Clinton’s pet name for Monica.
  
  Report this comment
- Amica
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:45pm
  Ohhhhh!
  
  Report this comment
team1blazer
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:11pm
REM = rectal entry masters

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- saranda
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:31pm
  So clever. Bet your mom is proud.
  
  Hopefully you at least know that sodomy can also be a hetero act.
  
  Report this comment
- team1blazer
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:55pm
  Yeah saranda, but that’s not the way you roll is it.
  
  Report this comment
- saranda
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:30pm
  Again, you are so clever. Did you debate in high school,? Or are still trying to get to high school?
  
  Report this comment
- booger71
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:00pm
  Saranda
  
  If you like to be rear-ended, by all means have your partner tear it up.
  
  Report this comment
grayling646
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:10pm
HA!!! Love it!!! Can’t wait for their response. I bet it’ll involve a nice bottle of aged whine.

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sparkyrules
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:09pm
Losing my religion….its FREE No royalties for the Punks.

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sparkyrules
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:07pm
Losing my religion…HEY R.E.M. I play it FOR FREE BUCKO.You just shot yourself in the foot!

And by the way,its the ONLY SONG that’s worth hearing..and barely

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- grayling646
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:23pm
  I agree. It’s not a song I would pull up on You Tube. None of theirs are. If you’re a middle aged or older rock and roller you’ll probably like this one. Actually, I just found it and I’m obsessing on it right now. It’s the best guitar solo I’ve ever heard. I’m probably the last one to know about it.
  
  Gary Moore – The Messiah will Come Again (1990).
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtF-An9wFLk&feature=related
  
  Report this comment
- sparkyrules
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:28pm
  I love Gary Moore. and miss that man very much .True MUSICIAN .
  
  Report this comment
- KusoJiJi
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 11:11pm
  Regret never seeing Gary Moore live.
  
  Report this comment
mzee26
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:07pm
You’d think R.E.M. would appreciate someone playing their music because really, who else is?

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- Bluebonnet
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:14pm
  Has beens, who don’t recognize they need every boost they can get. I’ll make sure I don’t listen to them hereafter.
  
  Report this comment
RightUnite
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:04pm
R.E.M. who??

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- Rayblue
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:13pm
  Aren’t they the other half of Stimpy ?
  
  Report this comment
Mutiny
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:02pm
I love how the Democrats railroad their delegates and its huge Fox news story. The GOP does it, and Fox ignores it.

Fair and balanced my ass.

I want Ben Swann to start a national news network. Maybe then some real news coverage will come out and start informing the sheep.

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- Mapache
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:08pm
  Did you ever hear of AIr America? How is that working out for you?
  
  Report this comment
- HorseCrazy
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:13pm
  oh really? ya thats right we on the right are big whiners always crying about some lame cause and fairness boycotting screaming throwing tantrums…oh thats right we aren’t we are all too busy working to deal with this petty garbage. nice try though with the lame I hate fox, fox news lies garbage. get some facts educate yourself and try and stay away from the same lame nonsense that huffpo feeds you the actual truth is way beyond your media matters talking points
  
  Report this comment
- USALOVER2011
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:28pm
  Really Mut??? Fox News is the only Network that deliver the real news….Hmmmm are you sure you’re not talking about the lame stream media?
  
  Report this comment
- booger71
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:02pm
  The order came down from the golfer-in-chief, blame him
  
  Report this comment
- Mutiny
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:15pm
  So attack me while ignoring the story?
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmaE2Aez_XY&feature=share Ben Swann’s report. Watch and learn or continue to look like idiot liberals.
  
  Report this comment
freedomisasfreedomdoes
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:02pm
Petty and pathetic. Grow-up R.E.M.

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Dan
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:59pm
R.E.M. is yet another casualty of my awakening. I was getting tired of their whiney music anyways, and it all sounds the same. Should I shred the old CD’s or sell them so they don’t get the royalty? I know, I’ll sell them on eBay with 100% of the proceeds to benefit Mercury One! Take THAT, you whiney old musicians!

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- DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:15pm
  Get rid of all of them…….except Murmur. Never get rid of Murmur.
  
  Report this comment
- beckwill
  Posted on September 9, 2012 at 12:55am
  way to serve them…lovin it!
  
  Report this comment
Eastinfection
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:57pm
Hey Mikey- i don’t judge you for having anger issues. After all – “everybody hurts… sometimes.” Right?…. i know, i know “YOU’RE Superman, and YOU can do anything”. Just stop acting like “it’s the end of the world and you know it”, because “life.. is bigger.. bigger than you..”

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- Bekah
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:01pm
  That’s great! :)
  
  Report this comment
- HorseCrazy
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:15pm
  I vote best comment ever. you have me laughing so hard love it
  
  Report this comment
SHASTADIANE1
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:57pm
Darn and I really liked that tune…it was catchy. Guess I’ll just have to suffer…because I won’t listen to it again.

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Mapache
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:56pm
Glad Foxnews stood up to these whiners. They want all the perks and benefits (money) of putting their music out there and then think they can selectively choose to control it. If they want to maintain absolute control of their music they had better get a better lawyer and write their contracts and agreements better.
Frankly, it would be great if I never had to hear that whiney piss-ant song again.

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- chips1
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:49pm
  “I’d like to teach the world to sing, in perf………. ” Naw!!! That was another stupid thought I had. SORRY!!!!
  
  Report this comment
Larry E
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:52pm
I’m sure that this will be the end of Fox News. I always thought that REM was a type of sleep during which dreams took place anyway.

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DarkJello
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:49pm
LMBO!

For R.E.M. this is the end of the world as [they] know it…

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canadianlady
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:48pm
Way to go Fox News!

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korbin
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:48pm
Rim more like it haha. I always thought they sucked anyway’s but what is with all of these bands who are against getting publicity for free? they are 99.9999% of the time desiring public approval and attention. It reminds me of selective famousism I made that word up, I am famous only when it suits me.

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Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:47pm
REM
Really
Evil
Mambypambys

The last full room they played to was a men’s room at the downtown bus stop. I heard they made almost $100 in nickels.

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- 13th Imam
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:55pm
  And all they could swallow
  
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- sparkyrules
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:08pm
  I heard they play in the rest rooms.
  
  Report this comment
- Wool-Free Vision
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 6:36pm
  Michael Stipe and company calling somone else a puff adder is irony at its best. Stipe the most self-important perpetual victim ever to be kicked out of his own gig at gunpoint for trying to take a dump on the stage (this is not hyperbole, it is a true story).
  
  Report this comment

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