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

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."