In a surprising turn of events, ABC chair Kim Williams found himself embroiled in a heated exchange with Joe Rogan, the wildly popular podcaster known for his extensive reach and controversial topics. This unexpected spat began during Williams’ address at the National Press Club, where he was questioned about Rogan’s significant influence on the US election and whether the ABC should target the demographic that Rogan appeals to. Williams, a former clarinetist with a deep appreciation for the arts, candidly admitted he isn’t a fan of Rogan, stating, ‘I think that people like Mr Rogan prey on people’s vulnerabilities, preying on fear and anxiety.’ This sparked immediate backlash, with Rogan himself sharing Williams’ comments on social media, expressing disbelief with ‘LOL WUT.’ Notably, Elon Musk also chimed in, labeling the ABC’s media stance as akin to ‘Pravda,’ the historical Soviet newspaper. Williams stood firm, dismissing the criticism he received as overly sensitive, and noted that he was unaware of Rogan’s immense following, which is reportedly 3 billion. Despite the fallout, Williams emphasized that he merely shared his honest perception of Rogan, which has led to a wave of aggressive responses targeting his viewpoint. As the dust settles, it’s clear that this media clash has captivated public attention, highlighting the divergent worlds of classical arts and modern podcasting culture.
