The ABC chair, Kim Williams, has sparked a significant backlash after suggesting that podcast host Joe Rogan preys on people’s vulnerabilities. Both Rogan and Elon Musk have publicly responded to Williams’ remarks, which were made during his address at the National Press Club. Rogan, who reposted a clip of Williams’s criticism on social media, expressed disbelief at the power someone like him holds in the United States, calling the comments ‘deeply repulsive’. Musk also weighed in, likening the ABC to Russian state media, dubbing it ‘their Pravda’ — a reference to the Soviet Union’s official newspaper. Williams articulated his concerns about Rogan’s influence, stating that he exploits fear and anxiety in society, contributing to the spread of conspiracy theories. The ABC chair has faced a wave of aggressive backlash since his comments, revealing the intensity of the reactions from Rogan’s supporters. Meanwhile, discussions around Rogan’s impact on political campaigns have resurfaced, particularly regarding whether Vice-President Kamala Harris should have appeared on his podcast, similar to former President Donald Trump. Despite interest from both sides, scheduling conflicts ultimately prevented such an appearance. As the landscape of media and politics continues to intertwine, the implications of these discussions remain significant.
