Joe Rogan is one of the biggest names in the podcast industry. His podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ has seen guests from all walks of life make their way into the show. Rogan’s personality is the catalyst for making the show what it is today. However, his choice of guests is something that has often raised many eyebrows.
Earlier this year, Rogan moved his podcast over to Spotify in a licensing deal. The agreement was reportedly worth around $100 million. As of now, the latest episodes of the podcast are available both on Spotify and on YouTube. However, beginning from next year the podcast will become exclusive on Spotify.
Several fans didn’t support Rogan’s move to Spotify, accusing himself of selling the whole thing. However, Rogan has repeatedly said that the deal is only a licensing one and Spotify will not intervene with the content that he produces. Regardless, right from the onset, the podcast had its share of criticism.
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At first, there were certain old episodes missing when the entire content appeared for the first time on Spotify. Later on, there were reports that Spotify employees were threatening to go on strike if Rogan’s podcast wasn’t edited or looked over.
Most recently, the longtime UFC commentator has been on the receiving end of criticism for calling over Alex Jones and Tom Dillon on his podcast.
Joe Rogan hosted far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones on his podcast today. They pushed anti-vaxx conspiracies and broadcasted banned Infowars videos. Rogan continuing to platform these far-right sickos is incredibly gross and dangerous. pic.twitter.com/ymNMm9GI5x
— Nathan Bernard (@nathanTbernard) October 27, 2020
There are lots of people who think Joe Rogan is provocative and interesting but there are plenty of provocative and interesting people who also aren't amplifying the voice of a guy who pushed the conspiracy that the kids who died at Sandy Hook were child actors
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) October 28, 2020
Hi @spotify. Alex Jones was on Joe Rogan's show lying about vaccines; it will kill people. Alex turns around and gives platform for killing Dems at polling places.
Forget Jones. You have a Rogan problem. You know it. It won't get better. You have agency. Use it.
Read the room https://t.co/5P3Q2SgMrB— Juliette Kayyem (@juliettekayyem) October 28, 2020
Alex Jones posted death threats against me. He called Sandy Hook a hoax and harassed mourning families. Now he is lying about #covid vaccines. His hate speech is not just vile – it’s dangerous. WTH @Spotify? https://t.co/iRXTlrnARW
— Christine Pelosi (@sfpelosi) October 27, 2020
Joe Rogan, a true American. He gives his podcast over to Alex Jones (who’s banned everywhere else) to spout off conspiracy theories days before the election, because, Joe Rogan. pic.twitter.com/weNUSZcIuP
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) October 28, 2020
Not everyone was against the choice of Joe Rogan for his latest podcast episode
While a large segment of people has criticized Joe for bringing in Alex Jones, there are also people who haven’t reacted that strongly to the issue. They have hailed this as an example of freedom of free speech.
Much respect to Joe Rogan for having Alex Jones back on.
Eventually we need to reclaim free speech on all social networks or leave these authoritarian sneaks in the dust.
— An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) October 28, 2020
Alex Jones on Joe Rogan’s podcast on 10/27/2020
Mr Joe Rogan had his right to have Alex Jones on his podcast program. Rogan owns the show
What is wrong Twitter on the negative?Freedom of speech ! But on Twitter no freedom of speech… pic.twitter.com/lwJxD68iC7
— King New Jersey (@MrKingNewJersey) October 28, 2020
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Alex Jones goes on Joe Rogan's podcast and liberals are calling to cancel Spotify.
If they could have it their way, the entire Constitution would be abolished.
I've never seen a set of people who hate America and the Constitution more than liberals.
— Keiko 🇯🇲 (@GolferGirl305) October 28, 2020
Spotify is yet to make an official statement on the issue. However, as per BuzzFeed News, in an internal email sent to employees, a top official wrote that they are not going to ban specific individuals from being guests on other people’s shows.
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“Spotify has always been a place for creative expressions,” Horacio Gutierrez, the company’s chief legal officer and head of global affairs, wrote to team managers. “It’s important to have diverse voices and points of view on our platform.”
Read More: Joe Rogan Calls Eric Weinstein’s New Podcast ‘The Portal’- “Truly Brilliant”
