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 GB News presenter Neil Oliver. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Neil Oliver attended a state school (Dumfries Academy) and a non-Oxbridge university (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here

Neil Oliver worked briefly as an archaeologist but has no significant experience in business or politics.

“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

Neither GB news nor Neil Oliver have disclosed his annual salary. His production company recorded assets of over £176k for financial year 2021 (Source). As a primetime GB News presenter he is likely to earn significantly more than the the UK average.

As a point of comparison, the average UK salary for 2021, listed by the Office for National Statistics, was £26,193.

Complaints / apologies / Controversies

Learn about the significance of complaints/apologies here

Hundreds of members of the public signed petitions in protest at Neil Oliver’s appointment as President of the National Trust of Scotland due to opinions he voiced during the Scottish independence campaign. (Source)

Oliver’s eventual departure from the NTS was dogged by controversy after he was accused of offering tacit support to controversial historian David Starkey during a row about alleged racist comments made on Darren Grimes’ podcast (source)

Oliver stepped down from an advisory role with Unionist group These Islands after controversial comments he made regarding the UK government’s anti-coronavirus measures. Promoting a zealous opposition to masks, vaccinating of children and lockdown restrictions, Oliver declared:

“I declare that I am a free man. I was born into a part of the world where I was taught that my freedom was won for me by men and women who died to make it so.

In the beginning of that fight to prevent the victory of that tyranny, it was a minority outgunned and shouted down by fellow citizens that stood up and said no. Merely to live is not enough, not nearly. What matters is to live in freedom.” (Source)

Summary

Neil Oliver is a historian turned news commentator whose highly controversial views are platformed by GB News, considered by many to be the UK equivalent of Fox News and funded by libertarian billionaires.

Independent? Impartial? Holding power to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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