In a surprising turn of events, the ABC chair, Kim Williams, found himself at the centre of a media storm after making critical remarks about Joe Rogan, the host of the world’s most popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. Williams’ comments, made during a National Press Club address, ignited a trans-Pacific spat that caught the attention of audiences in both Australia and the United States.
Prior to his comments, Williams had little regard for Rogan’s influence, admitting to not being a fan of his work. However, he didn’t hold back when discussing what he perceives as Rogan’s impact on society. Williams described Rogan’s approach as preying on vulnerabilities, fear, and anxiety, claiming it contributes to a climate of uncertainty and conspiracy thinking.
His remarks quickly drew backlash, including a response from Rogan himself, who shared a clip of Williams’ comments on social media, expressing disbelief with a simple “LOL WUT.” The situation escalated further when Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, chimed in, labeling Williams’ remarks as reminiscent of state-controlled media, referring to it as ‘their Pravda’.
Despite the criticism, Williams stood by his statements, suggesting that he has faced an overwhelming amount of aggressive backlash, which he described as ‘vicious responses’ to his honest critique of Rogan. He noted that he was surprised by the level of influence Rogan holds, claiming to have only just learned about the vast audience that follows him.
This incident highlights the growing divide between traditional media figures and influential podcasters like Rogan, who have carved out significant followings by discussing controversial and varied topics, including politics and personal anecdotes. As the clash continues, it raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of media on public discourse.
