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 i Newspaper columnist Ian Dunt. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Ian Dunt reputedly attended the private school Pilgrims’ Preparatory School for Boys. Our source for this is not reliable, however Dunt has confirmed a public school education on Twitter:

He attended non-Oxbridge universities

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here

Ian Dunt has no significant experience working in rival fields to the media.

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

None

Secondary

None

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Ian Dunt does not disclose salary information publicly. As a podcast host, regular contributor to corporate media outlets and author of books such as How to Be a Liberal, he likely earns significantly more than the UK average income.

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

How to Be a Liberal (by denying everything inconvenient to your ideology) – Aaron Bastani’s review of Dunt’s most famous book accuses it of being “part of a broader intellectual exercise to drape liberal history in comforting myths – ones which conceal its role in abetting imperialism, slavery and fascism”

In Their Own Words

“As someone who went to public school, and hated it, and considers their existence an offence against any possible notion of fairness in society, I find it extraordinary there is so little debate about them in Britain”

IAN DUNT

Summary

Ian Dunt largely eludes Matrix Database criteria. Like many top journalists he did, however, attend a private school, indicative of a privileged background.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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