It's a battle of misinformation versus the freedom of speech.

Spotify is under fire for one of their most popular podcasters, Joe Rogan for commonly spreading inaccurate information about the pandemic on the platforms #1 rated podcast. 

"It's really a tricky balance between freedom of expression and misinformation but we really have to make sure we remember not all information is protected, especially information that could lead to harm," said Stefanie Moore, Professor at Kent State's School of Media and Journalism, teaching courses including Social Media Strategies and Digital Public Relations. 

"I am a big fan in folks being information literate," said Shelley Blundell, Assoc. Professor at Youngstown State's School of Journalism and Communication, teaching courses including Social Media Literacy.  "In other words, they should be able to find information and access it's credibility."

The streaming service announced it's implementing a content advisory to any podcast episode that discusses COVID-19. 

"Now, it seems like they're kind of backpedaling in terms of getting that information out so that their are policies in place," Moore added. "We've watched them taking steps to combat COVID-19 misinformation and this is the first time we've really seen it impact the podcast world."

Several musicians and celebrities, led by Neil Young, are pulling their music from Spotify because of misinformation concern.

"Unless they started to hurt financially through a loss in sponsorship or a significant loss of artists, that might make them reflect on the utility of keeping Joe Rogan," Blundell said, "what they're trying to do at this point is damage control by releasing these disclaimers."

"Whether you agree with the artist, Joe Rogan or Spotify, at least it's a time to reflect, pause and think about how we're consuming information," Moore said. 

Rogan released a video stating he will, "do his best to make sure he's researched these topics" but Moore and Blundell agree more needs to be done to hold social media platforms accountable.

"Joe Rogan certainly isn't the only talking head spreading misinformation about COVID-19," Blundell added. 

Blundell said it is appreciated Rogan would acknowledge the experience with Young wanting to pull his music. 

"We want to actually see policies being enforced, being consistently enforced and we want to be more transparent with how they're adhering to the public," Moore said. 

"It comes down to trust your source or know your source," Blundell said. 

Joe Rogan openly admits he is not a medical professional. "It really is about information literacy and about folks that consuming media being savvy enough to recognize when someone is sharing information that rings untrue," Blundell explained, "that they do their own independent fact checking and not just believe what someone tells them because they happen to like that person."

Both professors told 21 News the CDC and our local health departments offers accurate pandemic information.