Steven Bartlett's Podcast Under Fire for Disseminating Health Misinformation

A BBC investigation into "Diary of a CEO" finds that host Steven Bartlett allows dangerous health misinformation to proliferate unchecked, raising concerns about the impact on public health understanding and trust in medical professionals.

The BBC has uncovered troubling evidence suggesting that Steven Bartlett, the host of the "Diary of a CEO" podcast, is promoting harmful health misinformation through his popular show. Critically acclaimed and frequently topping the charts, the podcast has recently shifted towards health topics, inviting guests who assert unfounded medical claims which often go unchallenged by Bartlett. Among these claims are that a keto diet can replace traditional cancer treatments and conspiracies regarding vaccines—misinformation experts warn can lead to serious public health risks.

In analyzing 15 health-related episodes, the BBC World Service found an average of 14 misleading health claims in each, contradicting established scientific evidence. Experts expressed alarm over the lack of skepticism toward these claims, arguing it could foster distrust in proven medical treatments. Although Bartlett's production company states that guests are "thoroughly researched," the nature of the content suggests an unsettling trend toward amplifying disinformation.

Initially launched in 2017 with a focus on entrepreneurship, "Diary of a CEO" has recently prioritized health-related discussions, inviting guests who claim expertise in various fields, yet whose views often receive minimal scrutiny. This content shift has resulted in increased viewership for the podcast, from nine million to 15 million monthly views. Bartlett mentioned in a press interview that he anticipates earning £20 million this year primarily through advertising.

The investigation reviewed 23 health-related episodes released between April and November of this year, fact-checking potentially harmful claims with input from medical professionals. The findings revealed that while some guests presented accurate information, many others propagated misinformation, including allegations that the Covid-19 vaccine was a societal net negative and that dietary changes could reverse certain medical conditions.

One particularly contentious episode featured Dr. Aseem Malhotra, who has been criticized for promoting public skepticism around Covid vaccines. When questioned about the content aired, Mr. Bartlett defended his decision by framing it as an effort to present opposing views, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting vaccine efficacy.

The podcast's lack of regulatory oversight, as it falls outside Ofcom's governing standards, allows Bartlett to present these claims without the need for factual verification or balance. Experts voiced concerns that this approach could undermine public health initiatives, with insufficient accountability for the spread of dangerously inaccurate information.

Amid these revelations, some guests showcased products alongside their claims, raising ethical questions about their motives. For instance, cancer researcher Dr. Thomas Seyfried advocated for the ketogenic diet as a treatment for cancer, contrasting established practices with medically unsupported assertions. Experts cautioned that following such advice could lead to dire health consequences.

In response to the criticism, Bartlett’s production team maintained that the podcast serves as a platform for diverse opinions, claiming that the review process does not exclude controversial viewpoints. However, the blog highlighted his financial interests in health-related enterprises, prompting calls for clearer disclosures about potential conflicts influencing guest selections.

Past instances, such as Bartlett’s support for "Ear Seeds" on Dragons' Den—a treatment criticized for lacking clinical validation—further emphasize the need for scrutinizing health claims presented in public forums.

As health information becomes increasingly accessible online, experts urge caution, advocating for greater accountability among podcasters like Bartlett. They stress the importance of promoting evidence-based medicine to safeguard public health and encourage informed decision-making in health matters.

With lingering concerns over the impact of misinformation, many are calling for stricter standards and ethical practices in the health information landscape, underscoring the significant responsibility held by content creators in shaping public understanding of health.