REM In 1983, a hit song was named after “Radio Europe Radio” inspired by a federally funded news service that helped spread American ideals abroad. Now, struggling groups say the Trump administration is holding down millions of dollars in funding from Congress, hoping that some rock can help them make ends meet.

The iconic rock band answered their phone call: They now smashed a mix for their 45-year-old, sharing all the proceeds directly to free European radio/broadcast freedom. It was released on digital and vinyl, with four other REM rarities.

Michael Stipe of REM answers phone calls for help

Former host Michael Stipe told CBS News Senior Culture Correspondent Anthony Mason why the band immediately answered the help of European Free Radio/Free.

Stipe said it was a good time for the song to make a comeback to “celebrate the real radio Europe.” More than 1,300 journalists work for nonprofit organizations.

In March, the Trump administration suddenly freezes about $75 million in funding that Congress granted European radio/radio freedom in fiscal 2025.

"Yes, close them," Elon Musk wrote on X in early February. "1. Europe is now free (not counting the suffocating bureaucracy). Hello.

CBS News veteran Steve Capus, who has been president of Euro Free Radio/Broadcast Freedom since January 2024, said there was “no warning” about the funding freeze. He said Europe's free broadcast/free radio is now gradually reserved.

"The impact on this decision is absolutely shocking," Capps told Mason.

“We don’t have a lot of time”

The Eisenhower Administration initially crossed the iron curtain on a short-wave radio and fired on a short-wave radio station. Today, from Prague's headquarters and the Satellite Agency, it broadcasts to 23 countries in 27 languages.

Cappus said: "So many countries and many dictators have ordered the silence of independent media. If we go away, we donate huge gifts to Russia, China, Iran."

European Free Radio/Free Radio Free Radio has had to deal with journalists and go to court to release its funds.

Capus added: "We don't have a lot of time. That's why we have to take such intense action."

Stipe did not hesitate when REM received a call to help drum support.

"This is important for democracy and is crucial to the fight against authoritarianism," the artist said.

It cannot solve all the financial problems of the organization, but Capus says it does help morale.

He said: "You know, morale is welcome to increase now."

This week, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately "immediately" Congress allocated nearly $12.2 million to cover spending on European Radio Free/Free in April. The Trump administration appealed the court's ruling that they had to release April funds to European radio. CBS News and the Trump administration have commented, but have not yet heard back.