'People like Mr. Rogan prey on people's vulnerabilities': Australian broadcasting exec goes on unhinged rant about Joe Rogan



An Australian broadcasting executive said comedian Joe Rogan preys on the population with malevolent intent.

Kim Williams, a former media executive who is now the chair of the state-run Australian Broadcasting Corporation, spoke at the Australian National Press Club this week about the growing threat of "misinformation" and "disinformation."

'I personally find it deeply repulsive.'

Williams consistently made references to floods and tsunamis regarding an alleged increase in "false information," stating that the government broadcaster needs to do a better job of providing "lifeboats" to citizens, especially young ones.

When the executive was asked why he believes Rogan is so successful at capturing a large market share, he began spreading his own claims about the comedian.

"I have a question about Joe Rogan," an audience member began. "He's obviously the world's most popular podcast host. He has three billion listeners. ... I'm just wondering if you had any observations about what's behind the Joe Rogan effect, how you believe he's managed to so successfully capture this huge market."

Williams first responded in jest, saying that he wasn't sure whether he was the right person to ask given that he is not a "consumer or enthusiast" of Rogan's work. However, the government employee then immediately launched attacks at the American.

"I think people like Mr. Rogan prey on people's vulnerabilities. They prey on fear. They prey on anxiety. They prey on on all of the the elements that contribute to uncertainty in society," Williams claimed.

In a video clip of the statement on X, the 71-year-old claimed Rogan spreads "fantasy outcomes and conspiracy outcomes" as if they are a "normal part of social narrative."

"I personally find it deeply repulsive," Williams continued. "And, to think that someone has such remarkable power in in the United States is is something that I look at in disbelief."

The Australian added that he was "in dismay" that people find Rogan entertaining given that he is "treating the public as plunder" and is "quite malevolent."

Rogan shared the video with a simple, "LOL WUT," response.

'As the poisoned waters of the Tsunami rise, it's good to get the young especially into lifeboats.'

This was only the tip of the iceberg in terms of Williams' remarks at the event.

Williams also claimed the predominant sources of "false information" in the world are: Vladimir Putin-funded bot-farms, Andrew Tate's "poisonous" videos, and artificial intelligence.

Therefore, he decried, the ABC "will require extra investment."

As the poisoned waters of the Tsunami rise, it's good to get the young especially into lifeboats — they are particularly vulnerable to the flood. Their minds are precious assets, needed for our future success. But lifeboats are always flimsy protections against surging tides. And one day our young will have to swim for themselves in the poisoned seas. So they and everyone else will need to be better prepared.

Williams then called for an increase in government-backed "fact-checking," children's programs, and curriculum.

He concluded his speech by saying the ABC needs to attract younger audiences as a matter of "intergenerational equity" and also "train a new generation of young journalists."

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'Hate speech isn't real': UFC contender Sean Strickland says he won't fight in Australia due to its government



UFC middleweight Sean Strickland announced he will not fight in Australia for a championship again, citing the government's disdain for him and the country's lack of free speech.

Strickland last fought down under for the middleweight championship in 2023, beating New Zealander Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Leading up to the fight, Strickland made it his plight to criticize Australia's laws surrounding speech, guns, and more.

Strickland has since lost the middleweight title to South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis but has battled his way back to the No. 1 contender position for a rematch.

However, the Anaheim, California, native recently declared he has no intention of accepting a fight in Australia for the belt.

"I'm not fighting in Australia. Were thinking Vegas in March," the fighter wrote on his X page.

"I have a love for the aussies BUT I don't think you're government likes me... Which I take as a compliment!! Hate speech isn't real and ill always speak up for my kangaroo homies," Strickland continued, adding an all-caps call for freedom.

— (@)

Strickland responded to several fan comments, including one that claimed Australians are "too liberal."

The fighter took the chance to clarify that his issue is with the state, not the people.

"The government is [too liberal]. The people living there are as much as a Trump supporters as us," Strickland replied.

— (@)

Strickland has been highly critical of Australian policies since the COVID-19 lockdowns, when federal authorities forced citizens into quarantine camps.

"Go to Australia and post something negative about covid. They can enter your home and take you to jail," Strickland said in 2021.

I can just start naming constitutional amendments that most countries don't have? Go to Australia and post something negative about covid. They can enter your home and take you to jail.
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) November 30, 2021

Leading up to his fight in 2023, Strickland's outlook was to figuratively liberate Australia by speaking out about its gun control measures.

"A woman can't own a gun.... or a knife... or pepper spray.... My god! I'm coming to save you Australia," the former champion wrote.

Later that same day, Strickland said, "Looks like me going to Australia is becoming a humanitarian mission now," he said in response to a post about gun licensing.

— (@)

It appears the fighter's outlook has changed from liberation to a worry that the government won't be as welcoming of him a second time around.

He may be right to assume so, given that political commentator Candace Owens was recently denied entry to the island nation.

Australia's immigration minister said Owens had the "capacity to incite discord" and therefore should not be allowed into the country.

The minister claimed Owens' comments about the Holocaust and the Islamic slave trade could "incite discord in almost every direction."

Strickland has said he would only fight once to prove he deserves a rematch for the middleweight title and after beating Brazil's Paulo Costa in June has stated he will wait as long as it takes to get his opportunity.

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Australia pushes 'Misinformation' fines for social media, gives mainstream media a pass



The Australian government is considering passing a bill that would fine online platforms for spreading misinformation or disinformation. However, mainstream news outlets would be protected from penalties for spreading similar content.

The government declared it would force platforms to set codes of conduct to govern how to stop allegedly dangerous falsehoods from spreading, which would need to be approved by a regulator.

If the platform did not set its own guidelines, the regulator would force its own guidelines on them and fine the platform for not complying.

Violations for not preventing the spread of material denounced by the government would result in fines of up to 5% of a company's global revenue.

'Misinformation and disinformation pose a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of Australians.'

According to Reuters, the banned subjects include content that allegedly hurts election integrity or public health, calls for denouncing a group, legally injuring (defaming) a person, and speech that allegedly disrupts key infrastructure or emergency services. The latter would likely already be a crime.

"Misinformation and disinformation pose a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of Australians, as well as to our democracy, society, and economy," Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.

She added, "Doing nothing and allowing this problem to fester is not an option."

Political commentator Lewis Brackpool said the policy was incompatible with the "once great principles of western nations."

"Governments across the west have been captured by ideological NGOs, lobbyists, and the activist class who look to not only seek control of citizens’ speech, but push for the demise of the west for their own perverse utopian system," Brackpool told Blaze News.

Brackpool pointed to the recent banning of Elon Musk's X in Brazil, which attempted to fine the platform similarly for noncompliance in removing alleged disinformation.

Brackpool added, "there is a dark corner that globalists and politicians are turning to. After the X ban in Brazil, authoritarian western governments around the world are mirroring this trend."

The Australian government claimed there is an overwhelming demand for a crackdown on misinformation; it cited a poll from the Australian Media Literary Alliance that stated 80% of respondents want the spread of misinformation to be dealt with.

The communications minister said that the bill would include protection for professional news, a move that mirrors social media platforms in the past. Sites like YouTube and Facebook have previously used labeling certain news outlets as reputable sources to downrank independent outlets in their algorithms.

Religious and artistic content would also allegedly be protected under the proposed law.

Musk had a simple response upon hearing about the legislation, calling the Australia government "fascists" in a post on X.

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At least 4 Olympic swimmers, including 2 Americans, test positive for COVID-19 but aren't sent home



Multiple swimmers, including two Americans, have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 but haven't been required to withdraw.

Unlike previous years, the virus reportedly is being treated similarly to other respiratory viruses, multiple outlets report.

'They are following all the protocols that we have.'

According to outlet SwimSwam, American swimmers David Johnston and Luke Whitlock tested positive for COVID-19, and they were moved to a hotel off Olympic grounds where they will isolate. Coaches reportedly are closely monitoring the whole team since the two swimmers were staying in an Olympic Village apartment with five other teammates.

Johnston has a few days to recover for his Saturday event, the men's 1500-meter freestyle.

Whitlock already competed in his only event, the men's 800-meter freestyle; he placed 15th. He is experiencing only mild symptoms, which allegedly include a cough, an insider stated.

A USA Swimming spokesperson told SwimSwam there is no mandatory masking or testing in place for American swimmers.

"We encourage our athletes to do whatever makes them the most comfortable, working with the team doctors," communications director Jake Grosser said.

British 100-meter swimmer Adam Peaty tested positive Sunday night after winning a silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke.

"My heart is full," Peaty said after the event on an X post, which includes photos of him and his family.

Yahoo Sports noted that Peaty swam more than two seconds slower than his personal best, speculating that the virus had an impact on his performance.

The outlet also reported a noticeable number of coaches and staff wearing masks around the pool Tuesday morning, apparently due to concern over contracting COVID-19 with the virus seemingly spreading.

Australian athletes appear to have had a more devastating run-in with the virus at the Olympics.

After testing positive, 1500-meter competitor Lani Pallister withdrew from her freestyle heat Tuesday. Nearly a week prior, it was officially announced in an Olympics press release that five members of the Australian women's water polo team also tested positive but were not forced to withdraw.

Australian Olympic team head Anna Meares said, "If those five athletes are feeling well enough to train, they will, and they are following all the protocols that we have." Meares also said the entire team had been tested.

The team representative noted that the athletes have been isolating from other team members, but only when not training, and that they have been wearing masks.

The treatment of COVID-19 in Paris contrasts starkly from previous games, such as the 2022 Beijing Olympics during which staff, athletes, and anyone else in a country's bubble were tested daily.

As CNN reported at the time, fans from outside China were banned, and all athletes were required to be fully vaccinated or placed in quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in the country.

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Jack Black's bandmate apologizes for saying 'don't miss Trump next time' after attempted assassination



Jack Black's bandmate in comic rock outfit Tenacious D apologized Tuesday for saying "don't miss Trump next time" during a weekend concert in Australia following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

After a tidal wave of backlash, Black took to Instagram Tuesday morning, said he was "blindsided" by the words of his bandmate Kyle Gass, and canceled the Tenacious D tour while noting that "all future creative plans are on hold."

'What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement.'

"I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form," Black added in his statement.

Gass added his own mea culpa Tuesday on Instagram:

“The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake,” Gass said in his statement. “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”

What's more, Variety added that the Greene Talent agency dropped Gass.

What's the background?

During the Tenacious D concert in question, video shows Black singing "Happy Birthday" to Gass onstage as a birthday cake is presented to him. Black then tells Gass to "make a wish."

With that, Black's bandmate waits a few seconds and says, "Don’t miss Trump next time," before blowing out the candles. Black replies, "Thank you!"

It sounds on one clip as though the audience's reaction was mostly laughter and applause. Yahoo News said one crowd member remarked, “You could hear a couple of ‘oohhs’ — like 'too soon' sort of vibes — but the vast majority was laughter." The outlet added that numerous fans praised Gass’ comment, while others criticized the "bad joke."

However, comments under the previously noted video — which was posted to X — seemed decidedly negative:

  • "Wow f*** those guys," one commenter stated.
  • "That's disgusting @jackblack you support assassination attempts?" another user asked.
  • "You know, I didn't care when Jack Black endorsed Biden. He can have that opinion. This is too far though. I hope he apologizes," another commenter wrote.
  • "They say Trump is bad, but these are the real evil people," another user opined.

Even an Australian senator demanded the deportation of Tenacious D, according to Deadline.

Deadline also said Black's band had another week of concerts in Australia and was scheduled to venture to New Zealand as well.

Tenacious D also was to embark on a U.S. tour in October, Deadline said. According to Variety, Tenacious D was scheduled to play a series of October concerts to support Rock the Vote, the "nonpartisan nonprofit organization that encourages young people to vote."

Deadline also said Black is a vocal supporter of Democrats and last month endorsed President Joe Biden.

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Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour over bandmate's 'don't miss Trump next time' comment after assassination attempt



Jack Black canceled the tour of his comic rock outfit Tenacious D over his bandmate Kyle Gass' "don't miss Trump next time" comment onstage just after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The actor and comedian posted the following on his Instagram page Monday morning:

“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”

Even an Australian senator demanded the deportation of Tenacious D, according to Deadline.

During the band's concert in Sydney, Australia, video shows Black singing "Happy Birthday" to Gass onstage as a birthday cake is presented to him. Black then tells Gass to "make a wish."

With that, Black's bandmate waits a few seconds and says, "Don’t miss Trump next time," before blowing out the candles. Black replies, "Thank you!"

It sounds on one clip as though the audience's reaction was mostly laughter and applause. Yahoo News said one crowd member remarked, “You could hear a couple of ‘oohhs’ — like 'too soon' sort of vibes — but the vast majority was laughter." The outlet said numerous fans praised Gass’ comment while others criticized the "bad joke."

However, comments under the video noted previously — which was posted to X — seemed decidedly negative:

  • "Wow f*** those guys," one commenter stated.
  • "That's disgusting @jackblack you support assassination attempts?" another user asked.
  • "You know, I didn't care when Jack Black endorsed Biden. He can have that opinion. This is too far though. I hope he apologizes," another commenter wrote.
  • "They say Trump is bad, but these are the real evil people," another user opined.

Even an Australian senator demanded the deportation of Tenacious D, according to Deadline.

The outlet added that Black's band had another week of concerts in Australia and were scheduled to venture to New Zealand. Tenacious D also was to embark on a U.S. tour in October, the outlet added.

More from Deadline:

Black is vocal in his support of the Democrats. Back on June 7 at a mega-fundraiser in DTLA, a stars and stripes overalls-wearing Black gave a full-throated endorsement to the incumbent. ["]When the president wins in November — yeah! — I’m pretty sure I’m going to get a sweet shoutout in his victory speech for what I gave up to be here,” Black told the well-heeled crowd at the Peacock Theater. “Because when democracy is at stake, Jack Black answers the call. Mr. President, you’re welcome.”

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'Don't miss Trump next time': Jack Black and his bandmate blasted for 'wish' during concert after failed assassination



Kyle Gass — Jack Black's partner in their band Tenacious D — offered a pointed "wish" from a concert stage over the weekend after the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump: "Don't miss Trump next time."

During the band's concert in Sydney, Australia, video shows Black singing "Happy Birthday" to Gass onstage as a birthday cake is presented to him. Black then tell Gass to "make a wish."

Reaction to Gass' 'don't miss Trump next time' statement seemed decidedly negative under one video posted to X.

With that, Black's bandmate waits a few seconds and says, "Don’t miss Trump next time," before blowing out the candles. Black replies, "Thank you!"

It sounds as though the audience's reaction on one clip was mostly laughter and applause. Indeed, Yahoo News said one crowd member remarked, “You could hear a couple of ‘oohhs’ — like 'too soon' sort of vibes — but the vast majority was laughter." The outlet said numerous fans praised Gass’ comment while others criticized the "bad joke."

Reaction to Gass' "don't miss Trump next time" statement seemed decidedly negative under one video posted to X:

  • "Wow f*** those guys," one commenter stated.
  • "That's disgusting @jackblack you support assassination attempts?" another user asked.
  • "Jack Black supporting assassination attempts on former presidents as well as far left radical extremism," another commenter said. "Shocker."
  • "Yea it’s super funny to see an ex-president have an assassination attempt on him," another user reacted sarcastically. "Such a weird world we live in."
  • "You know, I didn't care when Jack Black endorsed Biden. He can have that opinion. This is too far though. I hope he apologizes," another commenter wrote.
  • "They say Trump is bad, but these are the real evil people," another user opined.
  • "We know who this clown is and where his loyalties lie, and it's not America!!" another commenter declared.

Black as of Monday afternoon has not mentioned Gass' comment on X. The X account for Tenacious D also has not mentioned it as of Monday afternoon.

AllMusic describes Tenacious D as a Los Angeles-based "comic rock duo formed by actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass."

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Nearly Half Of Electric Vehicle Drivers Regret Their Purchase

Forty-six percent of American electric vehicle owners were 'very' likely to opt for a traditional gas-powered car for their next purchase.

SUSPICIOUS: WikiLeaks DNC archive vanishes shortly after Julian Assange’s sweet plea deal



Right after Julian Assange — founder of WikiLeaks who’s responsible for one of the biggest government leaks in U.S. history — took a plea deal that resulted in his freedom, the entire archive of 20,000 leaked DNC emails suddenly disappeared.

Coincidence?

Glenn Beck thinks not.

Could This WikiLeaks ‘Server Error’ Be Connected to Julian Assange’s Secret Plea Deal?youtu.be

“My Spidey senses are tingling,” he says.

How is it possible that someone who “just plead guilty to espionage” walks away a free man?

“Espionage is a really big deal,” says Glenn, adding that the crime “can actually carry a death penalty,” making Assange’s plea deal look remarkably “magnanimous.”

While Biden, per his typical character, has denied having anything to do with Assange’s freedom, Glenn finds it “hard to believe,” considering the deal “was made in secret.”

According to a report by the New York Times, “A secret hearing paved the way for [Assange’s] release. In the end, the choreographed, multinational dance that led to his release took place behind closed doors at a secret bail hearing in London last Thursday, according to British officials.”

If that wasn’t suspicious enough, “The X account @endwokeness noticed something odd early, early this morning ... all 20,000 leaked DNC emails have just been removed from Wikileaks,” which they speculate “is part of the deal with Biden's DOJ.”

“My team did verify that while other hack archives on WikiLeaks are still up, including Hillary Clinton's emails, when you click on the DNC archive, it does produce a server error,” says Glenn, showing the white screen with “Internal Server Error” displayed at the top.

“Is this proof the DOJ coerced Assange to cover up their embarrassing secrets in exchange for his freedom?” asks Glenn.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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