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 the Financial Times Economics editor Chris Giles. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Chris Giles graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Master’s from Birkbeck, University of London. (Source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

Giles has previously worked as an economist for the Institute of Fiscal Studies (source)

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Chris Giles is married to Katie Roden, a marketing lead in publishing who has coordinated high-profile projects such as Marcus Rashford’s recent series of children’s books (source)

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Neither Chris Giles or The Financial Times disclose his salary, however it is highly likely that he earns a salary significantly above the UK average (listed as £26,193 for 2021 by the Office for National Statistics).

Complaints / apologies / controversies

Learn about the significance of complaints/apologies here

In 2014, Chris Giles was accused of making serious errors in his critique of French economist Thomas Piketty’s book “Capital in the 21st Century”. (Source)

Summary

Chris Giles was educated at Cambridge before working for a prominent think-tank. He is married to an influential publisher and is likely to earn significantly more than the UK average.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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