The controversy between Joe Rogan and Spotify has led CEO Daniel Ek to address the media and assure that Spotify is “trying to balance creative expression with the safety of our users.”
The controversy around comedian and podcast host Joe Regan was addressed by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek on Wednesday when he said that the company is “trying to balance creative expression with the safety of our users.”
Daniel went on to say in the company’s post-earnings call on Wednesday “Of course, this is a very complicated issue, But I’m really proud of the steps that we took following the concerns raised by the medical and scientific communities.”
The company reported that it ended 2021 with 180 million paid subscribers. However, after its fourth-quarter reports, which provided dismal growth guidance, Spotify (SPOT) saw its stock tumble more than 20% after hours on Wednesday.
After musicians like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell urged Spotify to remove their songs from the site last week, the streaming music firm has found itself in the heart of a firestorm. Joe Rogan, host of the renowned Spotify podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” has made numerous incorrect and inaccurate assertions about Covid-19 and vaccines.
Following the outcry, Spotify announced that any podcast episode that discusses Covid-19 will now carry a content advisory. According to the corporation, the advice would drive listeners to a Covid-19 center that will include links to reliable sources.
View this post on Instagram
According to Ek, the company does not “change our policies based on one creative, nor do we modify it based on any media cycle or calls from anyone else.”
He added “While Joe has a massive audience… he also has to abide by those policies,”
Rogan is the company’s No. 1 podcast in more than 90 locations, according to Ek.
The Spotify CEO also stated that the company has had “a number of learning opportunities” during the last several weeks.
Ek continued “There’s still work to be done, But I’m pleased that Spotify is already implementing several first-of-its-kind measures to help combat misinformation and provide greater transparency.”
“He’s not trying to promote disinformation,” Rogan said earlier this week in response to the uproar.
In a video shared to Instagram on Sunday, Rogan remarked “I’ve never tried to do anything with this podcast other than just talk to people and have interesting conversations.”
Subscribe to our newsletter and get trending music news and Gossip in your inbox.
