Joe Rogan, Elon Musk hit back at ABC chair Kim Williams after ‘repulsive attack’

Popular podcast host Joe Rogan and SpaceX Founder Elon Musk have responded to a brazen attack from ABC chair Kim Williams.

Mr Williams was asked about the “Rogan effect” while speaking at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

The “Rogan effect” refers to The Joe Rogan Experience podcast which has become wildly popular, especially with young men, and has made him one of the most influential online figures in the world.

“I am not a consumer or enthusiast about Mr Rogan and his work,” Mr Williams said.

He said, acknowledging he was not one of his “three billion” audience.

“I think that people like Mr Rogan prey on people’s vulnerabilities. They prey on fear.”

“They prey on anxiety. They prey on all of the elements that contribute to uncertainty in society, and they entrepreneur fantasy outcomes and conspiracy outcomes as being a normal part of social narrative.”

“I personally find it deeply repulsive … to think that someone has such remarkable power,” he added.

“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 entrepreneurs that are really quite malevolent.”

Rogan acknowledge the attack on X after Williams’ attack, writing: “LOL WUT.”

Mr Musk shared the Rogan’s tweet, adding: “From the head of Australian government-funded media, their Pravda,” likening Mr Williams to the Russian Communist Party newspaper.

Mr Williams take town of the ratings winning podcaster came as he admitted the ABC had weakened.

As our nation has become richer, our nation’s broadcaster has become much poorer,” Mr Williams said.