Thu Nov 28 03:36:39 UTC 2024: ## ABC Chair Slams Joe Rogan, Calls Podcaster’s Influence “Deeply Repulsive”
Canberra, Australia – The chair of Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC, Kim Williams, has launched a scathing attack on popular podcaster Joe Rogan, accusing him of exploiting public vulnerabilities and treating his audience as “plunder.” Williams, speaking Thursday following an address to the National Press Club, described Rogan’s influence as “deeply repulsive” and expressed disbelief at his popularity.
Williams argued that Rogan preys on societal anxieties and fears, promoting conspiracy theories and fantastical outcomes as legitimate social narratives. He particularly criticized Rogan’s impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that Rogan had caused “enormous damage” with his comments on vaccines. While Rogan denies being anti-vaccine, he has publicly stated he wouldn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine himself and wouldn’t recommend it for healthy young adults.
Williams’ comments followed a reporter’s question about Rogan’s influence on the recent US presidential election, in which President-elect Donald Trump appeared on Rogan’s podcast for a widely viewed interview. Some Democrats criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not appearing on the podcast.
Rogan responded to Williams’ criticism on X (formerly Twitter) with a dismissive “LOL WUT.” The ABC chair’s remarks have also drawn sharp criticism from conservative figures online, with Elon Musk referring to the ABC as Australia’s “Pravda.”
Williams later defended his stance in an ABC radio interview, acknowledging the intense backlash he received, but maintaining his assessment of Rogan’s harmful influence. He lamented the “unbelievably vicious responses” he faced for criticizing the podcaster.
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