Fox News Says Michael Stipe's Complaint Was For 'Publicity'

Responding to R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe's request that Fox News Channel stop using their hit "Losing My Religion" during their DNC coverage, the network hit back accusing the band of merely seeking publicity.

The network used R.E.M.'s 1991 hit "Losing My Religion" during coverage of the Democratic National Convention Thursday night. On Friday morning, through its music publisher, Warner-Tamerlane Music, R.E.M. demanded that Fox News cease and desist from continuing its unlicensed and unauthorized use of the song. Michael Stipe posted a message on the band's site that reads, "We have little or no respect for their puff adder brand of reportage. Our music does not belong there."

Later on Friday, responded, stating the music was used fairly and that the band was likely seeking attention.

"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," a Fox News representative said Friday. "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."