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 Guardian columnist John Crace. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

John Crace attended a non-Oxbridge university (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

John Crace has no significant experience in either business or politics.

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

John Crace is married to Jill Coleman who is the director of the BookTrust charity. (Source)

Secondary

None.

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Neither John Crace nor the Guardian have disclosed his annual salary. As a columnist he is likely to earn significantly more than the UK national average.

As a point of reference, the Office for National Statistics list the average UK salary for 2021 as £26,193.

Complaints

The Guardian was forced to publish a correction and apology to journalist Isobel Oakeshott, after publishing an article by Crace in which he appeared to imply she had slept with Nigel Farage and Arron Banks in order to obtain confidential files. (Source)

Summary

John Crace is married to the director of an influential UK charity and earns a salary that is likely well in excess of the UK national average.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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