Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Speaks Out About Joe Rogan Controversy & Changing COVID Policies

Daniel Ek is opening up about the controversy surrounding Spotify in a conference call which announced new quarterly numbers.

The CEO addressed the changing climate and policies on the platform when it comes to COVID-19 information.

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According to Deadline, Daniel noted that “it’s been a few notable days here at Spotify. When we entered the podcast space in 2019… we assumed it would challenge and test our teams in new ways, and and there’s no doubt that the last several weeks have presented a number of learning opportunities.”

The outlet adds that the quarterly numbers that were announced at the meeting did not reflect any fallout which caused many artists – Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and more – to pull their catalogs from the streamer, as they protested the COVID-19 misinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

Graham Nash and Nils Lofgren, India.Arie and most recently Crosby, Stills & Nash have also pulled their music.

“Usually, when we have had controversies in the past [the effect is measured] over months not days,” Daniel added on whether that would make a difference in their numbers.

However, he says that Spotify’s new policies will help. Spotify will also be tagging all Covid-19-related podcast episodes.

“This is being rolled out right now, while we are speaking,” he said, and noted that the advisories will direct listeners to a dedicated hub with resource and links to information about the virus.

Spotify has “a critical role to paly in balancing creative expression with the safety of our users,” Daniel added. “There is still work to be done.”