KEY POINTS
- Spotify has signed a new multiyear deal with Joe Rogan, host of the popular podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
- The show was previously exclusive to Spotify, but the company now says it will now be available on additional platforms as well.
- The deal extends a partnership that has drawn detailed examination and controversy.
Spotify signed a partnership deal with Joe Rogan for the controversial podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which is said to be worth up to $250 million. Under the new pact, Joe Rogan’s popular show “JRE,” which has been exclusively available on Spotify for three years, will now be available on other audio platforms.
As it airs on Spotify, Joe Rogan’s show will soon be available on other services as well, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. This comes under Spotify’s revised strategy, where it is giving up exclusive streaming rights in favour of broader distribution, which it kicked off in 2023. The Wall Street Journal first reported Spotify’s renewal with Rogan.
Spotify also said that they would work closely with Rogan and his team “to continue and maximize the audience of the show across all platforms.” that is under the new deal; however, Spotify will continue to handle show (JRE) distribution and ad sales. Rogan will also receive a guaranteed minimum fee from Spotify as well as a cut in advertising revenue.
“The Joe Rogan Experience” was solely exclusive to Spotify that was under a 2020 deal, that is worth more than $200 million over 3.5 years. Rogan’s show has ranked as the most popular show on the platform for the past three years.
“For more than three years, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ has consistently been the No. 1 podcast across the globe,” Spotify said. Per Edison Research’s Q3 2023 survey of the most listened-to podcasts, “The Joe Rogan Experience” ranked No. 1 for the period. In addition, “JRE” was the No. 2 most listened-to podcast for women 13 and older in the U.S., according to Edison
Spotify also said, “For more than the last 3 years, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ has consistently ranked as the No. 1 podcast worldwide.”. Per Edison Research’s Q3 2023 survey of the most listened-to podcasts, “The Joe Rogan Experience” ranked No. 1 for the period. In addition, “JRE” was the No. 2 most listened-to podcast for women 13 and older in the U.S., according to Edison
Joe was a comedian-actor who then turned into a podcaster who regularly invites provocative guests on “JRE,” and Rogan and Spotify have faced backlash over some of the show’s material. That included a boycott of Spotify by several music artists, including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, in early 2022 over Rogan’s anti-vax episodes.
Rogan has also drawn fire for promoting “antisemitic tropes” and for his comment to guest Tom Segura that “Maybe you should just go shoot the homeless people.” In February 2022, Spotify pulled 70 episodes of “The Joe Rogan Experience” in which the host had uttered the N-word; Rogan called the backlash over his use of the slur “a political hit job.”
The Joe Rogan Experience, which premiered on December 24, 2009, has amassed over 2,200 episodes, each running for an average of 2–3 hours. The podcast has hosted a diverse range of notable guests, such as environmental epidemiologist Dr Shanna Swan, focusing on chemical exposure’s impact on reproductive health; longevity medicine expert Peter Attia; retired U.S. Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete David Goggins; psychedelic research pioneer Amanda Fielding; and criminal justice reform advocate Josh Dubin.
Renowned figures like Dave Chappelle, Dwayne Johnson, Robert Downey Jr., Quentin Tarantino, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Jewel, Eddie Izzard, Mike Tyson, Post Malone, and Zach Bryan have also graced the show. Joe Rogan, in an interview with Spotify, emphasized that he selects guests based on his genuine interest in engaging in conversations rather than just their popularity.
This news follows Spotify’s recent decision to broaden the distribution of another exclusive podcast, “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alex Cooper. Spotify reported that “Call Her Daddy” holds the top spot among female listeners on the platform. The streaming giant’s renewed deal with Joe Rogan underscores its commitment to maintaining a diverse and engaging podcast lineup.
About Joe Rogan
Joseph James Rogan, born on August 11, 1967, is a multifaceted American figure known for his roles as a UFC colour commentator, podcaster, comedian, actor, and former television host. He is the creator and host of The Joe Rogan Experience. In this widely popular podcast, he engages in discussions spanning current events, comedy, politics, philosophy, science, martial arts, and various hobbies with a diverse array of guests.
Originally hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Rogan embarked on his comedy career in 1988 in the Boston region. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1994, he secured an exclusive developmental deal with Disney, featuring in several television shows like Hardball and NewsRadio. In 1997, Rogan joined the UFC as an interviewer and colour commentator. He ventured into stand-up comedy, releasing his inaugural comedy special, “I’m Gonna Be Dead Someday…,” in 2000. Additionally, Rogan hosted the game show Fear Factor from 2001 to 2006.
Following his departure from Fear Factor, Rogan shifted his focus to stand-up comedy, delivering more comedy specials. The pivotal moment in his career came in 2009 when he launched The Joe Rogan Experience. By 2015, the podcast had gained immense popularity, consistently garnering millions of plays per episode. In a significant move in 2020, Spotify secured exclusive distribution rights for The Joe Rogan Experience with a substantial deal worth US$200 million. This underscored the podcast’s significance and Rogan’s influential presence in the world of entertainment and conversation.
Joe Rogan’s Net worth
Joe Rogan has a net worth of USD 245 Million. Considered one of the highest-earning artists on Spotify, Joe Rogan earns over $40 million annually.
Joe Rogan’s Wife and Personal Life:
Rogan married Jessica Ditzel, a former cocktail waitress, in 2009. They have two daughters, who were born in 2008 and 2010. Rogan is also the stepfather or adopted father of Ditzel’s daughter from a previous relationship.
