UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.  — In today's digital age, information has become readily accessible and easily misinformed. In recent months, a popular podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” and its streaming platform of Spotify, have received backlash for what experts have said is misinformation related to COVID-19.

A panel discussion exploring the controversy with a focus on ethics will be conducted at 6 p.m. April 18 in Foster Auditorium of Paterno Library on Penn State's University Park campus.

Three faculty members from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications will comprise the panel.

Matt Jordan, an associate professor and head of the Department of Film Production and Media Studies, will discuss the rise of podcasts as entertainment and the streamlined trend from Rush Limbaugh to Rogan’s most recent controversy. In addition, Patrick Plaisance, the Don W. Davis Professor of Ethics, will discuss the current trend of privileging opinion over facts. Patrick Parsons, a professor of telecommunications, will serve as moderator for the session.

The free public event will be hosted by the Bellisario College Fellows.

The backlash for Rogan’s podcast related to COVID-19 misinformation stems from an episode where Rogan interviewed a controversial doctor and restated what critics have said were a number of false and misleading claims regarding the coronavirus. This led to musical artists like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and others boycotting Spotify.

Following initial remarks by Jordan and Plaisance, Parsons will engage speakers in a discussion about the podcast and what the role of Spotify should be in the controversy. This discussion will be followed by audience question-and-answer session.