Joe Rogan, popular American podcaster, found himself the target of a critique by Kim Williamsthe head of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). When asked about Rogan’s influence and his ability to capture a massive audience, particularly in the United States, Williams slammed the “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and its host, questioning his motives and why the public engages with his content.
The comments by Kim Williams sparked many reactions online, with Rogan himself responding on social media platform X with a short but telling reply: “LOL WUT.”
Kim’s remarks came during a discussion about Rogan’s impact on global media markets, including Australia. Williams dismissed Rogan’s success as catering to “fantasy outcomes and conspiracy outcomes as normal parts of social narratives.”
“People like Mr Rogan prey on people’s vulnerabilities. They prey on fear. They prey on anxiety,” Williams said, adding, “I personally find it deeply repulsive, and to think that someone has such remarkable power in the United States is something that I look at in disbelief,” he added.
Williams also voiced his disbelief at Rogan’s widespread popularity and huge viewership. “I’m also absolutely in dismay that this can be a source of public entertainment when it’s really treating the public as plunder for purposes that are really quite malevolent.”
When asked about his personal opinion of Rogan’s work, Williams said that he is not a fan, does not watch Rogan’s content, and is unlikely to do so in the future.
Rogan, known for hosting political figures and discussing topics from health to conspiracy theorieshas long been a divisive figure. Supporters commend his platform’s variety, while critics accuse it of spreading misinformation.
Joe Rogan has also hosted US President-elect Donald Trump, who won the election against Kamala Harris. Experts and surveys suggest that Trump’s appearance on Rogan’s show played a key role in his victory, as the podcast reaches a large, diverse audience, spanning from youth to adults.
