Why did REM sing "whats the frequency kenneth"?

Question

Something about Dan Rather. What was it?

Answer 1

In the early 1990s, Dan Rather claimed that he was mugged by someone who kept asking him that question. He said he had no idea who the mugger was or why he was asking him that question or even what it meant.

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Rather#.22Kenneth.2C_what_is_the_frequency.3F.22