The Joe Rogan controversy is interesting and may even be very important. Mr. Rogan runs the most successful podcast in the world and somebody wants to destroy him. That is quite clear.

To understand this story, you have to know the pipeline. From his studio in Austin, Texas, Rogan churns out three or four podcasts a week on contemporary issues. A company called Spotify, out of Sweden displays the Rogan programs to millions of viewers.

Now Spotify is under pressure to drop Rogan because he allegedly allowed false information about Covid on his podcast. After that, singer Neil Young pulled his music off Spotify and other rockers did the same.

It does not seem likely, although it is possible, that Mr. Young stimulated the anti-Rogan controversy all by himself.

Usually, in cases like this, there is a coordinated effort to bring down a popular commentator - often driven by shadowy far-left groups funded by dark money.

I know, I had to deal with it.

What I don't know is who, exactly, wants to harm Joe Rogan. I am trying to find out.

Spotify will not likely drop Rogan because he makes too much money for the company which is not dependent on corporate sponsors like those who bailed out of the Tucker Carlson program.

Losing Neil Young and some others pales in comparison to losing Rogan for Spotify.

However, the public should know exactly what's going on here. These cancel outfits are dangerous to free speech and to honest enterprise. No question about that. We'll keep looking for the Rogan wreckers.

Steven A. Smith is on the No Spin News tonight talking about race and the NFL. See you beginning at six eastern.