Controversial podcast host Joe Rogan signs a new deal with Spotify for up to a reported $250 million

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. pact / pækt / (n.) – a formal agreement between two or more parties, usually aimed at achieving a specific goal or resolving a particular issue
    Example:

    The two political parties reached a pact to work together on key policy issues for the improvement of the country.


  2. upfront / ˈʌpˈfrʌnt / (adj.) – paid or received in advance
    Example:

    The landlord requested an upfront payment of three months’ rent before the tenant could move into the apartment.


  3. organic / ɔrˈgæn ɪk / (adj.) – happening in a natural way, not forced
    Example:

    The creation of a book club was an organic initiative among neighbors who shared a love for literature and storytelling.


  4. slur / slɜr / (n.) – an offensive remark, word, or expression that insults a person or group based on their race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics
    Example:

    The politician’s use of racial slurs during the speech sparked outrage.


  5. racist / ˈreɪ sɪst / (adj.) – showing or expressing beliefs that discriminate other people or races, believing that some races are better than others
    Example:

    Making insulting comments about someone’s ethnicity is a clear indication of racist behavior.


Article

Read the text below.

Spotify has penned a new multi-year partnership deal with controversial podcast host Joe Rogan, whose enormously popular show will soon also be available on competing platforms, including YouTube and Apple Podcasts.


Spotify announced the renewed partnership in a post on the company’s corporate blog on February 2. Under a prior multimillion-dollar deal, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” has been a Spotify exclusive since 2020.


The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the new deal, estimated that the new contract was worth as much as $250 million over its multi-year term. It cited unnamed people familiar with the matter. The pact involves an upfront minimum guarantee, in addition to a revenue-sharing agreement based on ad sales, the newspaper reported.


In an email to The Associated Press, Spotify declined to comment on the deal’s financial details, including the estimated value.


Over the years, Rogan has developed a huge audience who listens to his long, wide-ranging interviews with a variety of guests, including comedians, athletes, scientists, and conspiracy theorists.


“There’s no script of what we’re going to talk about, and it all just sort of happens in real-time,” said Rogan on Spotify’s blog post. “It’s just an actual organic conversation with people enjoying themselves, which is something we all can relate to, and something we all love to do. These conversations have changed the way I think about life immeasurably and continue to do so.”


The show is consistently Spotify’s most popular podcast but is also a frequent cause of controversy for the company. Most notably, Spotify came under huge pressure in 2022 to drop Rogan over his anti-coronavirus vaccine comments and use of racial slurs, with some musicians, including Neil Young, pulling their music from the platform in protest.


In February 2022, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek denounced the host’s racist language but said, “I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer.”


Spotify’s shares closed up $3.51, or nearly 2% to $222.47 per share on February 2.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • What are your thoughts on Spotify’s decision to renew its partnership with Joe Rogan despite the controversies surrounding his podcast? Discuss.
  • Despite having a controversial podcast, why do you think Rogan was able to develop a huge audience over the years? Would you also follow a controversial celebrity on a social media platform? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Some musicians are pulling their music from Spotify as a protest against Joe Rogan. Do you believe this would be an effective way to convince Spotify to drop Rogan? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Spotify CEO Daniel Ek denounced the host’s racist language but said, “I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer.” Do you agree with his statement? Why or why not? Discuss.