Socially Conscious Consumers Got Spotify to Change Its Tune
*By Britt Terrell*
Spotify's decision to remove the R&B artist R.Kelly's songs from parts of its streaming music platform was a considered response to consumers' demands that brands behave in a more socially responsible way.
"These social movements typically backed by large groups of young users are pressuring companies to take a stance," said Phillip Tracy, a tech writer for The Daily Dot.
According to a 2015 Nielsen [report](https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahlandrum/2017/03/17/millennials-driving-brands-to-practice-socially-responsible-marketing/#3946f9034990), 66 percent of consumers are willing to spend more if a product comes from a sustainable brand. Millennial customers are even more demanding ー 81 percent of millennials expect their favorite companies to make public declarations of corporate citizenship.
To appeal to those sentiments, some brands are responding increasingly quickly to online calls to action when new controversies arise.
Spotify made a statement this week when it responded to a #MuteRKelly movement that started after the singer was [accused](http://www.vulture.com/2018/04/another-woman-is-accusing-r-kelly-of-sexual-misconduct.html) of sexually abusing women in a sex cult. Like the hashtag campaigns #MeToo and #TimesUp, the online effort around R.Kelly sought to hold the artist accountable in the marketplace.
Citing its new Hate Content and Hateful Conduct Policy, Spotify said it would no longer include R.Kelly's music in its algorithm and editorial-curated playlists.
Tracy said in an interview Friday with Cheddar that it's hard to say whether other streaming services such as Apple Music will follow Spotify's example.
Spotify has 75 million subscribers as of its first public earnings report earlier this month. Apple has 40 million.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/spotify-takes-the-keys-from-ignition-2).
Cepton made its debut on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ‘CPTN’ on Thursday. Jun Pei, the co-founder and CEO, joined Cheddar News to discuss going public and its lidar-based solutions for improving safety in autonomous features in cars. "It's really just a huge benefit in addition to radar and camera, and becomes an entire sensor suite that will bring cars to a higher level, both for safety and autonomy."
New York City's famous subway system is currently facing scrutiny after several recent attacks on platforms. Now, local leaders in the Big Apple are calling on the MTA. To step in and take action.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Evolution Devices CEO breaks down how the Evowalk wearable device can help those with walking impairments; Cresilon CEO explains how he's created a plant-based gel to easily treat wounds in both humans and animals; A look at Curiosity Stream's 'The Colorado Problem.'
Pier Mantovani, Founder and CEO of Evolution Devices, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how the Evowalk wearable device can help those with walking impairments, and how remote physical therapy is becoming a reality.
Joe Landolina, CEO and Co-Founder of Cresilon, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how he's created a plant-based gel to easily treat wounds in both humans and animals.
The virtual world of the metaverse continues to present a bright future for many artistic creators. A group of six mural artists from the Bay Area have decided to turn their painted and installed murals into a one-of-a-kind collectible. Thanks to NFTS these murals can be enhanced and extend far beyond just their physical walls. Muralist and Creative Director of the Bay Area mural program Rachel Wolfe Goldsmith, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
New York City ride-hailing app drivers are about to get a pay raise. According to the city's Mayor Eric Adams, New York will increase its minimum driver pay rate for both Uber and Lyft drivers. This means both platforms would now be required to pay their drivers a minimum of $1.61 cents per mile and about 0.50 cents per minute. Ultimately, the move would give riders at least a 5.3% race. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
A Senate bill unveiled on Wednesday looks to tackleonline safety for children by regulating Big Tech and social media platforms to deter users from content that can harm their mental health. Irene Ly, a policy counsel for the age-based ratings and review organization Common Sense Media, joined Cheddar News to break down the potential of the Kids Online Safety Act. "We can't be imposing such a big burden on parents to be doing it all on theirselves," Ly said. "I think you also have to keep in mind that parents often didn't grow up with social media, so they don't understand what it's like to be addicted to social media or really understand how they work."
