In a bold move that has left the world reeling, Spotify has offered Tucker Carlson, the recently-fired host of Fox News’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” a staggering $129 million deal for an exclusive podcast.
This lucrative deal has been hailed by some as a “brave stand for free speech,” while others see it as a not-so-subtle attempt to cash in on the controversy.
Carlson, who was booted from Fox News after a series of increasingly incendiary remarks, will now bring his unique blend of divisive commentary and unapologetic nationalism to Spotify’s rapidly expanding podcast empire.
The streaming giant, apparently unfazed by the prospect of mass cancellations and boycotts, has jumped headfirst into the realm of partisan punditry with this latest acquisition.
“Here at Spotify, we believe in the free exchange of ideas, no matter how much backlash it generates on Twitter,” said a company spokesperson, while frantically updating their PR crisis management plan.
“Tucker’s perspective, while admittedly provocative, is an essential part of the ongoing national dialogue. Plus, if it brings in the clicks and the cash, who are we to judge?”
The upcoming podcast, tentatively titled “Tucker Unleashed,” promises to be an unfiltered platform for Carlson’s trademark brand of incendiary rants and thought-provoking conspiracy theories. This move is expected to solidify Spotify’s position as the go-to destination for people who love their podcasts with a side of outrage.
Critics have accused Spotify of courting controversy for profit, with some going as far as to call it a “desperate attempt to stay relevant in a world increasingly dominated by TikTok and Clubhouse.”
However, the company’s stock prices have soared following the announcement, indicating that many investors are excited about the potential for Carlson’s podcast to attract attention and generate ad revenue.
In an exclusive interview with The Onion, Tucker Carlson expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, “I’m thrilled to have a platform where I can continue speaking the hard truths that America needs to hear.
Spotify has shown tremendous courage in offering me this opportunity, and I promise to use my podcast to entertain, enlighten, and enrage in equal measure.”
The launch date for “Tucker Unleashed” has yet to be announced, but insiders suggest that the podcast could hit the airwaves as early as this summer.
In the meantime, Spotify has reportedly ramped up its customer support staff in anticipation of a deluge of cancellation requests and strongly-worded emails from outraged subscribers.
As the world eagerly awaits the launch of “Tucker Unleashed,” one thing is for certain: Spotify’s bet on controversy is a surefire way to keep the conversation going, even if it’s mostly people yelling at each other.
