Steven Bartlett Criticized for Spreading Health Misinformation on Top-Ranked Podcast
Steven Bartlett, host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, has come under fire for amplifying harmful health misinformation, according to a BBC investigation.
The podcast, which ranks as the UK’s number-one business podcast, has featured guests making controversial health claims, such as the suggestion that cancer can be treated with a keto diet instead of conventional medical treatments. These claims were reportedly met with little to no pushback from Bartlett, a Dragons' Den star. Experts warn that failing to challenge such misinformation fosters distrust in evidence-based medicine.
An analysis conducted by BBC World Service reviewed 15 health-focused episodes of the podcast and found an average of 14 misleading or harmful claims per episode, all of which conflicted with established scientific evidence.
Flight Studio, Bartlett's podcast production company, defended the content, stating that guests are offered "freedom of expression" and that their views are "thoroughly researched."
Launched in 2017 with a focus on entrepreneurship and business, Diary of a CEO gained massive popularity by featuring high-profile figures like influencer Molly Mae and Airbnb founder Brian Chesky. However, the podcast's recent pivot toward health content over the last 18 months has sparked controversy. Guests are often introduced as leading experts, but their claims are rarely scrutinized.
The podcast’s interviews are also shared on Bartlett’s YouTube channel, which boasts seven million subscribers. Since shifting to health-related topics, monthly views on the channel have surged from nine million to 15 million.
Bartlett revealed to The Times in April that he expects the podcast to generate £20 million this year, primarily through advertising revenue.
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