From my vantage point, the answer seems pretty clear. The answer has implications not just for Spotify but for other digital platforms that have begun paying some content creators, including Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok. The Rogan episode has thrown into high relief the question of whether it’s a “platform” that simply allows creators to spread content, or whether it is a media company, which has legal liability. When sources pushed falsehoods, our responsibility was to challenge them and to report the facts-not to hand them the microphone and turn up the volume.

My role was always to ensure that the news we published was accurate and fair.

We would be liable if we intentionally published false information. Anybody in my field would be out of a job if we knowingly published nonsense and then disavowed any responsibility for it. They released one earlier this month that examines some of the claims made in Rogan's chat with Malone.I’ve spent my career in publishing, including as editor in chief of USA Today. Wendy Zukerman and Blythe Terrell are publishing episodes that debunk misinformation being spread on the platform. The host and editor of Gimlet's Science VS podcast said they'd no longer make episodes of their show until 'Spotify implements stronger methods to stop the spread of misinformation on the platform.' There was one exception to that stance, though. Spotify has also faced criticism from employees over Rogan. Reports suggest Barack and Michelle Obama may not renew their Spotify deal, which is set to expire in a few months. Film director Ava DuVernay struck a podcast deal with Spotify last year, but cut ties this month before producing any content for the company. Around the same time, Brené Brown put episodes of her Spotify-exclusive podcasts on hold. Notable critics including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell accused Spotify of spreading harmful misinformation and pulled their music from the platform. Robert Malone made claims about COVID-19 vaccines on The Joe Rogan Experience that they called 'false and societally harmful assertions.' The backlash against Rogan and the company ramped up after hundreds of doctors, nurses, scientists and educators sent an open letter to Spotify in January urging the company to take more action against the spread of misinformation.

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