Spotify is known for having “music for everyone,” but for listeners who care about positive role models and factually correct information, Spotify is not the place for them.
The music streaming platform has received major backlash for not removing 'The Joe Rogan Experience' episodes or music from the host after he spread COVID-19 misinformation. Despite actively advocating against the vaccine, he said he is not “an anti-vax person” and should not be a spokesperson for medical advice.
Whether he should be taken seriously or not, he is still a prominent public figure, as the podcast was the most-listened podcast on Spotify in 2021. It’s this reason why the platform’s CEO refused to take down the podcast.
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek recently responded to the backlash, saying the platform will not change policies.
“We don’t change our policies based on one creator, nor do we change it based on any media cycle or call from anyone else,” Ek said in an NBC interview.
People will listen to what Rogan says, regardless of whether it's true or not. Plus, the more news that surrounds the controversy, the more attention he gets — so much so that he signed a $100 million deal with Spotify. It’s no wonder the platform won’t change its policy.
Not only did multiple artists such as Neil Young demand their music be removed from Spotify, but the only reason that episodes from the podcast were removed was because Rogan requested so. This is following controversy about COVID-19 misinformation and Rogan using a racial slur in a separate episode.
It should not have taken Rogan’s permission to have his content removed from the platform. Spotify needs to stop caring about monetary gains and start caring about providing quality content for its listeners.
Joe Rogan is not the only example of Spotify’s greedy mentality. After the release of the Surviving R. Kelly documentary, the platform did not remove the singer’s content; it only stopped actively promoting it. This means his music was removed from all Spotify-owned-and-operated playlists and recommendations. Even after his recent convictions, his music is still available to search.
The list of abusive artists like R. Kelly who deserve to have their music silenced is extremely long, yet Spotify does not indicate any chance of removing their content. If their music is still making money, Spotify doesn’t seem to be offended.
If Spotify refuses to remove this content, it should at least show some compassion to its listeners. For every listen to Joe Rogan’s podcast misinformation episode, the platform should donate money to COVID-19 research. For every listen to R. Kelly’s music, the platform should donate money to sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. If its employees truly do care about being a quality platform for listeners, there’s no reason why they can’t support causes their listeners actually care about.
Spotify needs to take charge of its platform and not allow misinformation or content from disgraced prominent figures to spread. Instead of worrying about silencing voices, they need to focus on the types of voices they’re promoting.
Hannah Campbell is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Hannah by tweeting her at @hannahcmpbell.
