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 Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Jeremy Bowen attended a state school then University College London and Johns Hopkins University, rated 13th in the Times World University Rankings (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here

Jeremy Bowen has no significant professional experience in politics or business.

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Jeremy Bowen’s father Gareth reported the 1966 Aberfan coal slurry disaster for the BBC and became editor of news at Radio Wales (source)

Jeremy Bowen’s wife Julia is also a BBC journalist (source)

Secondary

None

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Jeremy Bowen earned a salary of £220,000 to £224,999 in 2021 (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

None

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

“We all come from somewhere; we all have a prism through which we see the world; we all have an education, and views and experiences. It’s a false objective to be objective.”

JEREMY BOWEN

Summary

Jeremy Bowen followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the BBC (might a leg up have been involved, too?), attended an elite university and earns in the region of ten times the salary of the average UK worker.

Independent? Impartial? Holding power to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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