The case of Spotify in relation to the Joe Rogan podcast seems to be coming to an end. At least, that's what the streaming music firm tries to do, which a few days ago let artist Neil Young withdraw his catalog after he threatened to leave the platform if they didn't remove The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan's controversial podcast where he usually share misinformation about coronavirus and vaccines. Now, the American podcaster has decided to confront the controversy by apologizing through a video posted on his show. Spotify has also assured that they will make changes in order to better deal with misinformation.
In the 10-minute clip, Rogan apologizes to all those users he has annoyed after sharing false information about vaccines and COVID in several of his Spotify programs. He further stresses that he will do “everything possible to try to balance the most controversial points of view.” However, he suggests that he will keep his mechanics, including controversial guests or those who have contrary opinions.
“I'm interested in finding out what the truth is, and I'm interested in having interesting conversations with people who have different opinions. I'm not interested in just talking to people who have a perspective.”
Joe Rogan in a video about his podcast on Spotify. The podcaster also alleges that some of the most controversial episodes of his Spotify show in which he deals with the effectiveness of vaccines or the use of masks should not be classified as misinformation. He mentions, specifically, those where he speaks with guests about whether the vaccinated can get infected or if the cloth mask is effective. Points that social networks restricted months ago and that are now valid speeches, according to Rogan in his video.
Spotify will issue a notice on those podcasts that talk about COVID-19
Photo by Haithem Ferdi on Unsplash In parallel, Spotify has responded to the criticism of users, doctors and scientists who have been against The Joe Rogan Experience program and how the platform deals with this type of content. “It has become clear to me that we have an obligation to do more to provide balance and access to widely accepted information from the medical and scientific communities to guide us through this unprecedented time,” Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said in a statement.
From now on, Spotify will have a series of measures that aim to prevent the spread of misinformation related to the pandemic. Among them, the inclusion of a notice in those podcasts where they talk about COVID or vaccines. It will also provide tools for creators that can be used to “raise awareness of what is acceptable”.
