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 Sky News political editor Beth Rigby. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Beth Rigby attended the all girls grammar school Beaconsfield High before graduating with a 1st Class degree in social and political science from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here

Beth Rigby has no significant experience working in rival fields to the media.

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

None.

Secondary

She is described as a “close friend” of fellow Sky news presenter Kay Burley.

(Source)

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Neither Beth Rigby or Sky News disclose salary information publicly. For comparison, the BBC recently advertised to replace Laura Kuenssberg as political editor with a salary of £260,000 offered. Beth Rigby is one of the names touted as a potential candidate. (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

In 2020 Beth Rigby was suspended for three months by Sky News after breaching Coronavirus restrictions to celebrate Kay Burley’s 60th birthday. (Source)

In Their Own Words

“An Oxbridge calling card opens opportunities to you professionally…I don’t think I would have ever got that job at the Financial Times had I not had my Oxbridge experience.

I really care about having good access for young people who are far less privileged than I was… [to] industries such as the media, where there remains a predominance of white, privately-educated and privileged men…I don’t need to tell you that the top echelons of our society are very weighted towards a certain group of people.”

BETH RIGBY

Summary

Beth Rigby attended a grammar school before graduating from Cambridge University. She is likely to earn in the region of 10 times the average UK salary.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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