We have enough conspiracy theories being passed around by Trump. We don't need the BBC doing it too

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The topics for the BBC's Scarlett Moffatt Wants to Believe generally run the gamut from "Is the world ruled by a shadowy elite? Are Beyonce and Jay Z members?" to "Is Prince Charles a vampire? Are the royal family descended from alien lizards?"

The podcast is perfect for picking up younger listeners and Moffatt's chatty style with her boyfriend, Scott Dobinson, is perfect for running through these types of conspiracy theories and having some fun around them.

However, I have to agree with comedian Dara Ó Briain (and presenter of a number of shows on science) when he tweeted that he was disappointed that a recent episode discussing the moon landing had been commissioned. Yes, there are plenty of conspiracy theories around the moon landing, but to put one of the greatest feats of human ingenuity under this shadow of doubt does a disservice to it – and those that want to learn about it.

Dobinson does make clear that he can't believe that Moffatt does not think the moon landing is real, but as Ó Briain pointed out, the BBC doesn’t want to make any more of his own astronomy programme that ran from 2011 until 2017, yet will happily commission such content.

"Trying not to be depressed today that while the BBC don’t want to make any more Stargazing Live, they will pay Scarlett Moffatt to make a podcast about how she doesn’t believe in the moon landings," Ó Briain wrote.

I believe it is the BBC's mission to engage as many people as possible, so I can see why Moffatt's show has been commissioned – and indeed many of the subjects are great fun – but if education is also a key part of the BBC's mandate, then this certainly doesn't live up to that. More science and nature programmes should always be a priority for the BBC and it has been very good and putting big subjects worth covering in front of viewers. But I can also understand at a time when it is facing squeezes on its budget that podcasts are far cheaper to make.

And this isn't about Moffatt or the podcast in general, as Ó Briain also acknowledged before deleting his tweet to prevent a pile-on of abuse against Moffatt. I have no problems with the rest of the series and it is not up to Moffatt to ensure that the BBC has enough science content or how it is presented. This is about an institution that has done such good work throughout the coronavirus pandemic in dispelling myths and conspiracy theories – particularly in relation to 5G – and should resist the temptation to propagate conspiracy theories just to cater to a more youthful audience. The BBC World Service may have recently produced an award-winning, historically accurate podcast about the moon landings, but all of its platforms should be consistent, and one highly informational show should not offset one that does potentially more harm than good.

However light-hearted the tone, and however little damage such content does, if we are to stand against conspiracy theories then that must mean all of them. I understand that sounds overdramatic, but if there is a chance not to perpetuate one, we should take it.

Leaders like Donald Trump do enough damage by hinting at conspiracy theories before trying to proclaim he had just heard or read it and that he had no agency or attachment to what he is putting out into the world. The latest being the unfounded nonsense about Kamala Harris's eligibility to run for vice president or president. This podcast is not on the level of some of the things Trump has said and then just left hanging in the air, but it is the same principle.

If we expect our leaders to be better around conspiracy theories and not perpetuate them, then we should expect the same of a corporation with the reach and the responsibility of the BBC.