UPDATE: “Flattered” Fox News releases statement on R.E.M. song

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After reading our coverage today, Fox News reps have thoughtfully released a statement about R.E.M‘s cease and desist request after the cable news channel aired a portion of the Athens act’s hit single, “Losing My Religion” this week during the Democratic National Convention. Despite the band’s original claims, Fox reps tell us the 1991 radio hit actually aired during Thursday’s edition of “Fox & Friends” at 8:28 a.m.

The statement just emailed to Atlanta magazine by Fox News spokesfolks reads: “Fox News Channel’s use of an R.E.M. song 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.”

In other words, Michael Stipe can eagerly anticipate a royalty check from Rupert Murdoch most likely in time for his holiday shopping. Alas, Fox reps had no comment on Stipe likening their reporting to that of a poisonous African hogsnake. . .

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