Spotify reportedly paid $200 million for Joe Rogan’s podcast

Spotify reportedly paid Joe Rogan at least $200 million to stick to podcasts on the platform exclusively for three and a half years, according to The New York Times Transfer. This number, although astronomical, is twice what was previously reported in a The Wall Street Journal Rogan’s bargain price – $100 million – has continued to be widely used in the media without correction from the Spotify team.

The news comes after a volatile month for the audio company and a month in which musicians, broadcasters, employees and the medical community scrutinized the company’s work with the controversial podcast maker. In January, a group of members of the medical community wrote a letter to the company asking it to remove Rogan’s episode that they said had spread misinformation about COVID-19. Musician Neil Young read that letter and then Pulled his catalog from the podium in response.

He wrote: “I’m doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines – which could cause the deaths of those who believe the misinformation is being spread by them.” “Please act on this immediately today and keep me posted on the schedule.”

Since then, within Spotify, CEO Daniel Eck has released Multiple phrases About his reluctance to modify Rogan’s show beyond the rules of his platform, which it was publicly only After Young and others withdrew their music.

However, Rogan’s show has become controversial for reasons beyond COVID-19. In a separate viral video, Rogan has been documented using the n-word multiple times. After this video appeared, 70 episodes were mysteriously removed without giving reasons. Rogan later apologized for using slander and also making a racist joke, but Spotify has never commented publicly. in a leaked noteHowever, Eck confirmed that the company had already spoken with Rogan and his team, and Rogan decided to remove the episodes. Eck also said the company will commit $100 million to creators from historically marginalized groups. as edge Contributing editor Casey Newton points out on TwitterThat amount appears to be equal to what Spotify paid Rogan – but now, it appears to be only half that amount.