StreamingThe TimesThe Obamas are said to be walking away from their Spotify deal, setting the stage for a bidding war among rival platforms for one of the world’s most influential couples.
Simon Freeman and Keiran Southern
SPOTIFY SAGAThe TimesFormer US president tells Joe Rogan not to let ‘maniacs’ make him ‘look weak and frightened’ amid Spotify podcast furore.
Hugh Tomlinson
The Wall Street JournalThe Wall Street Journal‘Cancelling voices is a slippery slope,’ Daniel Ek says after a host’s use of a racial slur in previous episodes sparked an outcry.
Steven Russolillo
Breaking NewsControversial podcast host Joe Rogan has been offered a huge deal by a right-wing video-sharing site to leave Spotify.
Justin Vallejo and Nadia Salemme ‘SINCERE, HUMBLE’ APOLOGYThe Wall Street JournalThe podcaster and guests appearing in previous episodes were shown using the N-word in a compilation video released by singer-songwriter India Arie.
Steven Russolillo
MUSICMusicNeil Young’s attempt to divorce himself from streaming giant Spotify to protest the spread of Covid-19 misinformation has come to a legal impasse.
Free speech’s new frontierThe content-moderation wars have come to audio. Musicians who used to protest in song now protest by hitting the mute button. Audio platforms need to learn fast.
The Economist
exclusiveMusicNeil Young’s streams are up 50 per cent since the Canadian-born performer made Spotify choose between him and controversial podcaster Joe Rogan.
The Wall Stree JournalThe Wall Street JournalThe streaming service saw a surge in listeners and ad revenue despite the controversy over its star podcaster. CEO Daniel Ek says a number of lessons have been learned.
Anne Steele
Spotify’s decision to choose the controversial podcast host over Neil Young will please vaccine conspiracy theorists.
James Marriott