In an unexpected turn of events, ABC chair Kim Williams found himself embroiled in a media spat with none other than Joe Rogan, the world’s most popular podcaster, during a National Press Club address. Williams, who has a background in classical music and the arts, made headlines after criticizing Rogan’s influence on American society. The clash began when Williams responded to a question about whether the ABC should target the audience that Rogan has captivated with his top-charting podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’.
Williams, who admitted he wasn’t a fan of Rogan’s work, described the podcaster’s approach as predatory, suggesting that Rogan exploits societal fears and anxieties for entertainment. He expressed disbelief at Rogan’s substantial influence and found it troubling that such entertainment could be accepted by the public.
Rogan, known for his candid discussions on topics ranging from martial arts to recreational drugs, responded by sharing a clip of Williams’ remarks on social media with the caption ‘LOL WUT’. The situation escalated further when Elon Musk, who criticized the Australian government-funded media, joined the conversation.
In the aftermath, Williams stood firm on his stance, stating he was taken aback by the backlash he received. He noted that while he was aware of Rogan’s presence in the podcasting realm, he had no idea of the massive following the podcaster commanded. Williams referred to the intense reactions as a ‘pile-on’ from aggressive critics who labeled him out of touch with Australian society.
This exchange highlights the contrasting worlds of highbrow cultural commentary and the more chaotic, raw commentary of the podcasting universe, as two figures from vastly different backgrounds find themselves at odds in a public forum.
