TheQuartering [3/8/2021]
Spotify wants more control over Joe Rogan.
Leaked inside information indicates that Spotify employees may be asking for greater editorial control over Joe Rogan’s JRE Podcasts. While this seems like an unlikely move and one that wouldn’t be popular with viewers, it also might be possible under Spotify’s content rules.
The Spotify deal to host the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) was announced earlier this year, moving the wildly popular podcast from its original home on YouTube to the new video podcast section on Spotify. Rogan told listeners that the entire JRE library would be available on Spotify starting September, although that wasn’t totally true. Spotify found some episodes violated its content rules and did not add them to the library.
Joe Rogan is a controversial figure, a common tactic among the most popular talk show hosts. Rogan’s unfiltered comments often cause an uproar among various groups, which plays right into the show’s approach. Rogan claims to simply be speaking his mind and even makes a rare apology if proven wrong about a topic. According to Digital Music News, employees are now seeking greater editorial control, following some Spotify employees having complained about recent episodes and requesting action be taken. According to Vice, a town hall meeting was held to discuss the issue. Apparently, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek defended Rogan’s right to speak freely, while gingerly acknowledging Spotify’s own responsibility to moderate its content. Ek was said to mention ten other meetings about Rogan recently, so this could be an ongoing issue.