And that bomb is now in the middle of a slo-mo detonation.
Rogan may or may not technically be a Spotify employee, but in spirit, he is.
The Swedish music-streaming company pays him to produce an audio show.
ConvertKit / Unsplash
And that’s the problem.
They’re just the pipes through which the dirt is delivered.
And he’s putting the whole operation at risk.
Why Podcasts?
Why is Spotify, a music-streaming app, even in the podcast space?
Its about licensing fees.
We keep hearing how little musicians get paid by Spotify, but those recurring fees are still too much.
“Its cheaper than paying perpetual licensing fees to major studios.”
Another advantage of home-grown audio shows is that they can be exclusive.
Most music is available on most streaming platforms, with the odd blip for an exclusive release.
But if Spotify can make its podcast offer strong enough, then it has something other platforms dont.
Again, just like Netflix and the other video-streaming services.
‘Free’ Speech
And thats why Spotify is defending Rogan.
By supporting him, Spotify is implicitly promoting disinformation.
But in the case of Rogan, Spotify isnt any kind of neutral platform.
Its the manager and promoter.
As such, should it be held responsible for his opinions?
“By doing so, that means they believe in him.”
And yet, Spotifyhas removed several JRE episodesbecause they violated its rules.
So it seems there is some level of control, after all.
A Big Mess
This mess isnt going to get any smaller.
Especially as Spotifycannot raise its monthly streaming prices.
ConvertKit / Unsplash
Podcasters should beware.
Just like with musicians, it looks like Spotify is out to rip off podcasters, too.
