The Matrix Project is an effort to document personal factors that undermine powerful journalists’ claims of objectivity and impartiality. Are factors such as an elite education, establishment connections, personal wealth and interests in rival fields compatible with journalistic integrity? 

This page looks at former Sky News political editor Adam Boulton. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Adam Boulton was educated at three private schools (Tower House School, St Andrews School Pangbourne, and Westminster School). (Source)

He then went on to study English at Christ Church College, Oxford, and International Relations and John Hopkins University (ranked 13th in the world). (Source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here

Adam Boulton has no significant professional experience in politics or business.

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Adam Boulton is married to Anji Hunter, described as Tony Blair’s “gatekeeper” during his reign as Prime Minister, she was also Director of Communications at BP before joining PR consultancy Edelman. (source)

Boulton’s father, Dr Thomas Boulton OBE, was a renowned Anaesthetist who was influential in the formation of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. (source)

Boulton’s first wife was Kerena Anne Boulton. She is the sister of former Labour minister Peter Mond/Melchett, and daughter of English industrialist Sir Julian Mond, 3rd Baron Melchett. (source)

Secondary

Boulton’s wedding to Hunter was described as the “ultimate Labour Luvvies” by the Daily Mail as it was attended by a host of Labour Party and Murdoch Press luminaries, including Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson. (source)

Salary/Indications of Wealth

Learn about the significance of journalists with an unusual level of wealth here

It was estimated that whilst at Sky News Adam Boulton was earning £500,000 per annum at the end of his tenure. It is unclear what his current salary is. It is likely he still earns significantly more than the average UK worker. (source)

As a point of reference, the Office for National Statistics list the average UK salary for 2021 as £26,193

Complaints / apologies / Controversies

Learn about the significance of complaints/apologies here

Ofcom received several hundred complaints regarding this clash between Adam Boulton and Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell on Sky News in 2011. (source)

In 2019 he was criticised for referring to Extinction Rebellion protests as “fascistic disruption”. (source)

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

“I am one of those journalists who thinks that in a lot of areas that we can afford to lift our game. By which I mean that I would say there’s quite a significant chunk of my colleagues who I think are not primarily interested in politics, the decisions which parliament is taking, how it’s going to affect individuals. They’re interested in Westminster as a source of gossip and secondary stories. Sometimes I think we do need to think “why are we doing this?”

Adam Boulton

“[In journalism] we do need more women and more people from diverse backgrounds. We need to reflect the society which we live in.”

Adam Boulton

Summary

Adam Boulton claims journalists should reflect the society in which they live. Boulton himself was privately educated before attending two of the most prestigious universities in the world. His father was a famous doctor and his wife was a key member of Tony Blair’s inner circle. During his time at Sky, he earned 20 times the average UK annual salary.

Independent? Impartial? Holding power to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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