Spotify could must take care of greater than musicians leaving its platform. Author and researcher Brené Brown has paused releases of her Spotify-exclusive podcasts Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead “till additional discover.” Brown did not clarify the choice, however it got here shortly after Neil Young and Joni Mitchell stated they’d take away their music from Spotify in protest in opposition to allegations Joe Rogan has been selling COVID-19 misinformation.
We’ve requested Spotify for remark. The transfer got here amid mounting criticism of Spotify over its dealing with of Rogan and misinformation, with the UK’s Prince Harry and his spouse Meghan Markle (who themselves have a Spotify deal) voicing “issues” over the streaming service’s method. The couple’s Archewell basis stated “a whole lot of thousands and thousands” of individuals have been damage by misinformation every day, and that they hoped Spotify would “meet this second” and make acceptable adjustments. The pair added they’d been sharing worries with Spotify since April 2021.
Spotify beforehand stated it aimed to strike a stability between listener security and creator freedom, having eliminated over 20,000 COVID-related podcast episodes in keeping with its insurance policies. CEO Daniel Ek has contended Spotify should not have editorial accountability for podcasts.
If Brown’s transfer is in response to Rogan, it may put Spotify in an much more troublesome place. The firm is believed to have paid over $100 million to signal Rogan to a multi-year unique and has loved his success (his podcast nonetheless tops US charts). However, that association would possibly show expensive if sufficient listeners go away — notably those that have been staying for unique podcasts like Brown’s. It may not be price sticking to 1 star if Spotify finally bleeds an excessive amount of expertise and money.
I cannot be releasing any podcasts till additional discover. To our #UnlockingUs and #DaretoLead communities, I’m sorry and I’ll let you already know if and when that adjustments.
Stay awkward, courageous, and sort. ❤️👊🏼❤️
— Brené Brown (@BreneBrown) January 29, 2022