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 Rafael Behr. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Rafael Behr attended the private City of London School before studying Modern Languages at Merton College, Oxford (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

Prior to his career in journalism, Rafael Behr was “a political risk analyst covering countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union” (source) This does not appear on his LinkedIn profile. A profile on the Bright Blue website describes his job as “an emerging markets investment risk analyst” but again does not identify the company (source).

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

None.

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Neither the Guardian nor Rafael Behr have disclosed his salary. As an established columnist and successful author, it is likely that he earns significantly more than the UK average.

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

Summary

Rafael Behr is a privately-educated graduate of Oxford University, who previously worked as a political investment analyst and likely earns significantly more than the UK average.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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