The Podcast host at the centre of Spotify’s disinformation saga is pledging to over more balanced views

Joe Rogan apologises to the streaming service, which is facing heavy criticism over episodes on The Joe Rogan Experience featuring guests who shared Covid conspiracy theories.

Just hours after the streaming service announced a plan to tackle the spread of Covid-19 misinformation, Joe Rogan speaks out.

His Instagram video apology is in regards to the worldwide backlash following two recent episodes of Rogan’s podcast, which featured two Covid skep-tics guests.

In an almost 10-minute long Instagram video posted on Monday, Rogan said he would “try harder to get people with differing opinions on his show. 

The controversial episodes feature Cardiologist Dr Peter McCullough and Immunologist/virologist Dr Robert Malone.

They each expressed views that were contrary to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rogan says his podcast – which reaches an estimated 11 million listeners per episode – as “just conversations” which are about having fun and talking.

Spotify’s response

Spotify has since said it is working to add content advisory warnings to any podcast discussing Covid-19.

The company is developing a global COVID-19 Information Hub to direct listeners to solid medical information in future.

Dedicated content advisory will be now added to podcast episodes that mention and discuss coronavirus.

Spotify posted a statement to their website, saying that the service was formed with the intention of enabling “the work of creators around the world to be heard and enjoyed by listeners around the world”.

The statement addresses concerns raised by users regarding the Covid-19 information policies… adding they have now drawn lines between “what is and isn’t acceptable”.

This comes as musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell withdrew their music from Spotify last week, in protest against COVID-19 misinformation on the platform.

This is costing the company billions of dollars in market value.

Spotify doesn’t just host Rogan’s podcast, they’re paying him a reported $100 million for the right to do.

Journalist Ernest Owens says Spotify hosts have a responsibility to uphold certain standards, especially when it comes to life and death.

The spotlight on Spotify

But now, pressure is mounting on other social media sites to tackle harmful falsehoods and conspiracies about vaccines and Covid-19 throughout the pandemic.

Written by Brittany Coles and Savannah Pocock