Podcast platforms have some catching up to do when it comes to moderating toxic content and ideas.

Since the Capitol insurrection, many platforms have tightened policies but shows promoting QAnon conspiracy theories can be easily found on Apple and Google Podcasts

On Apple Podcasts, these QAnon-supporting shows, two of which were removed from YouTube, are readily available.

Many had episodes promoting the Capitol protests before January 6th and the conspiracy theory that Trump will serve a second term

One "Peasants Perspective" presenter said in a Jan 4 episode he would attend the Capitol siege wearing a black MAGA hat instead of red to avoid drawing attention, while "QAnon FAQ" encouraged listeners on Jan 1 to attend “a huge party in DC" on January 6th

In recent episodes, "QAnon FAQ" suggests Biden won’t be inaugurated, while others baselessly claim a secret plan — in which President Trump will vie to remain president — will play out, calling the inauguration a “war” or “battle”

English-language "Peasants Perspective," also on Google Podcasts, was number one for news commentary in Uruguay on Apple, and 165 in the US, according to its presenters.

Podcast platforms don’t make stats clear, so it’s hard to say how much influence they actually have

Takeaways: Audio is more difficult to monitor and moderate than text and has taken a backseat in the fight against disinformation. But podcasts might be more convincing as listeners tune in and form a community that returns regularly

Audio producers can find some tips on avoiding amplifying misinformation in this @firstdraftnews guide https://firstdraftnews.org/project/us-2020-spotify-soundcheck-toolkit/