Rogan v. Young
LEFT BRAIN
Spotify has received a lot of criticism since they decided to extend a groundbreaking $100 million podcasting deal to the successful and controversial podcaster, Joe Rogan. Yes, the guy who used to host “Fear Factor.” A few weeks ago, Spotify received an open letter from thousands of doctors urging them to crack down on what they believe is COVID-19 misinformation, largely coming from Joe Rogan’s podcast. Here’s the thing, I wrote that last sentence after seeing headline after headline about it. After digging deeper, I learned that 87 of the 270 signatories are medical doctors – the rest are from assorted professions including engineers, teachers and psychologists. Still valid folks to weigh in on COVID-19 impacts, no doubt, but the larger point is that had I only read headlines or stuck to my traditional publications, I wouldn’t have the full picture.
Now, this week, Neil Young had Spotify remove his music as he issued an ultimatum for the platform to choose either him or Rogan, and Spotify effectively chose Rogan. Sorry, Neil.
This sparked a debate amongst our team here at PadSquad around podcasting, journalism, facts, and freedom of speech. Oh my! Are podcasters journalists? Do they have an obligation to report facts? Or are they entertainers free to express their opinions? Does it even matter if Spotify is a private company and can stand for whatever they want?
Rogan is known for his willingness to interview even the most controversial of characters to shed light on taboo issues and attempt to uncover all sides. He bucks social norms and brings on whoever he wants to bring on, and says whatever he wants to say. A refreshing approach for sure, but as the lines between entertainment and journalism blur, and journalistic factual standards become less clear cut, how should the advertising industry approach it?
Some food for thought, and a topic we will no doubt be covering further throughout the year.
How are these issues impacting your advertising, if at all? Shoot me a note and let me know. 🎙️
Source: WSJ