In a surprising turn of events, Apple Podcasts removed and subsequently restored "The Glenn Beck Program" podcast within the span of a single day.
The abrupt removal led to confusion among listeners, with Glenn Beck himself taking to Twitter to voice his frustration and seek answers.
The podcast, known for its insightful commentary on American culture and politics, was temporarily unavailable due to a trademark dispute.
Trademark Dispute and Restoration
AppleInsider reports that Apple Podcasts removed "The Glenn Beck Program" from its platform, citing a trademark dispute as the cause.
The podcast, boasting over 3,000 episodes, had a sizable RSS feed size, which might have triggered the removal.
Apple's spokesperson confirmed the involvement of a trademark dispute but refrained from disclosing the specific details.
However, the issue was resolved, and the podcast was reinstated on Apple Podcasts within a matter of hours.
Breakdown and Beck's Reaction
Beck's initial reaction was one of bafflement. He had received a message from Apple stating that an issue with his show needed resolution before it could be available on Apple Podcasts again.
However, the provided link only reiterated the removal, leaving Beck without a clear understanding of the situation.
In a video uploaded on Twitter, Beck expressed his frustration, stating that the lack of communication left him puzzled and searching for answers.
Technical Aspect, Episode Count
The sheer volume of "The Glenn Beck Program" episodes, which surpassed 3,000, led to speculation about the technical reasons behind the removal.
Apple has previously flagged podcasts with RSS feed sizes exceeding 5 MB, and Beck's podcast had an RSS feed over 11 MB.
This raised the possibility that an automatic size cutoff triggered the removal. However, Variety reports that an Apple spokesperson clarified that the reason was indeed legal, stemming from the trademark dispute.
Political Motives and Upcoming Election
Beck, known for his outspoken views, speculated that the removal could be related to the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
He surmised that as the election draws near, more such "glitches" might occur, suggesting potential political motives behind the removal. Despite his speculations, no concrete evidence has emerged to support this claim.
Available Episodes and Future Prospects
Following its restoration, "The Glenn Beck Program" is now accessible on Apple Podcasts, listing around 1,914 episodes.
Beck's podcast has a broader presence beyond Apple Podcasts, available on platforms such as BlazeTV, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcasts, iHeart, and Stitcher.
The show, known for its engaging perspective on American culture and politics, continues to captivate audiences across various platforms.
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