In a recent episode of The Problem With Jon Stewart, Stewart discussed the controversy surrounding Neil Young's decision to pull his music from Spotify in opposition to Joe Rogan's podcast. Stewart took the stance that Neil Young should not have removed his music from the platform, but instead, he should engage with Joe Rogan and create a conversation about why Rogan's show is potentially harmful. 


He also commented on the immense influence Neil Young has on the music industry since Spotify took a huge loss when Young backed out. Stewart starts his response with, "Don't leave. Don't abandon. Don't censor. Engage."



He goes on to explain, instead of removing his entire catalog of music and leaving without a conversation, this is actually the perfect opportunity for Neil Young to make more music or art in opposition to misinformation and that Rogan may not be the enemy Young thinks he is.


Stewart says, "Joe Rogan, in my mind, is not an idealogue in any way," claiming that Rogan can be reasoned with, referencing an episode of Rogan's show where Rogan came around to an opinion that he didn't originally have.


Stewart later says that it's not the Joe Rogan's of Spotify that is to blame for the spread of misinformation, but the algorithm that urges the viewer, or listener, toward information that is potentially false.


Stewart says, "I'm more worried about the algorithm of misinformation than the purveyor of misinformation. Misinformation will always be out there. But if the algorithm drives people further and further down the rabbit hole, the f*cking algorithm is the amplifier and the catalyst of extremism."




While not completely off base, John Stewart and Joe Rogan both have successful podcasts that they are trying to protect, and Spotify losing four billion dollars after Neil Young removed his entire music catalog can't be good for either of them. Seems like taking Joe Rogan's side is in everyone's best interest when it comes to making money.