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 BBC newsreader Huw Edwards. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Huw Edwards attended Llanelli Boys’ Grammar School and a non-Oxbridge university

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

Huw Edwards has no significant experience outside the field of journalism.

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Huw Edwards’ father, Hywel Teifi Edwards, was a prolific author and professor of Welsh at Swansea University. He was also involved in parliamentary politics, standing for Plaid Cymru in the general election of 1983 (source)

Huw Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, is a producer who has worked on Andrew Neil’s This Week and Peston (source)

Secondary

None

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Huw Edwards was the fourth highest earner at the BBC in 2020/21, with an income of £425,000-£429,999 per annum (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

Pay cut/publication complaint – Edwards complained about the BBC’s decision to publish star salaries, stating “it has angered me, to be honest” (source) and lamenting the impact of having to take a pay cut – “If you do get a huge pay cut, it’s certainly going to affect you, your psychology, and your attitude towards the work” (source)

External work – despite earning half a million a year as a BBC broadcaster, Edwards apparently tops up his salary by earning 10-25K per appearance as a speaker for hire – Public speaking agency JLA have listed Huw as the “lead news anchor on the nation’s main bulletin”…. The agency states that Huw is available to book for awards shows as well as after-dinner speeches. His profile page with JLA lists his fees as being between £10,000 and £25,000 (source)

Summary

Huw Edwards is the son of an influential academic, author and wannabe-politician, married to an influential producer and one of the highest paid journalists at the BBC. Edwards has complained about the publication of his hefty salary, suggested a pay cut impacted his mental health/demotivated him and earns up to 25K per appearance as a speaker for hire.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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