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 Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Nicholas Witchell attended the independent Epsom College (source) before studying at a non-Oxbridge university.

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door.

None.

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Nicholas Witchell is married to Maria Witchell (nee Staples). Maria is a former UK Special Forces and MI5 operative, charity trustee and polar explorer, who is now a Managing Director at an international investment bank. (source)

Secondary

Nicholas Witchell is an Officer of the Order of St John, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Governor of Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disable People. (Source)

COMPLAINTS/CONTROVERSY

Witchell was branded a Scab for crossing an official picket line of striking BBC staff in 1989. (Source)

 

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Nicholas Witchell does not currently earn enough to appear on the BBC’s list of highest earners, nor has he disclosed his salary publicly.

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

Summary

Nicholas Witchell was privately educated, married a former MI5 operative, previously disregarded strike action by colleagues and is likely to earn significantly more than the national average.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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