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 Times contributor Matthew Syed. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Matthew Syed was educated at state schools before attending Oxford University (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

Matthew Syed stood as a parliamentary candidate for Tony Blair’s Labour in 2001 but lost out to Conservative John Redwood (source)

Matthew Syed runs a business called Matthew Syed Consulting which offers “growth mindset programmes” to help “establish thriving growth mindset cultures that drive higher performance in individuals, teams and organisations” (source)

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Matthew Syed is married to author and former investment banker Kathy Weeks (source 1, source 2)

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Neither Matthew Syed or The Times have disclosed his annual salary, however 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.

Summary

Matthew Syed attended Oxford, stood for election as part of Tony Blair’s Labour, is married to a former investment banker turned author and runs a consultancy seeking to monetise the “growth mindset”

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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