In a strong condemnation of Joe Rogan, ABC chairman Kim Williams referred to the popular US podcaster as ‘deeply repulsive’ during his address at the National Press Club in Canberra. Williams criticized Rogan’s style, asserting that it ‘preys on people’s vulnerabilities’ and increases public anxiety, treating audiences as mere ‘plunder’. This statement comes as part of Williams’s broader call for increased funding for the ABC, which has seen a staggering decline of $150 million annually over the past ten years. He emphasized the need for public investment in media that serves the community rather than exploiting it. In response to the criticism, Rogan simply replied with a dismissive ‘LOL’, reflecting the often contentious relationship between mainstream media and independent platforms. Williams’s remarks highlight ongoing debates about media responsibility and the impact of influential figures like Rogan on public discourse.
