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 former Financial Times editor and author Sebastian Payne. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Sebastian Payne was partially educated at the independent Dame Allan’s School before attending Durham University (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

Sebastian Payne became a director of Conservative think-tank Onward in December 2022. The think-tank is chaired by another Matrix database entrant Daniel Finkelstein. (Source)

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Sebastian Payne is married to Sophia Gaston. Gaston is currently Head of foreign Policy and UK resilience at right-wing Thatcherite think-tank Policy Exchange. She has previously served as director of another think-tank, the British Foreign Policy group and as a visiting fellow at Oxford and LSE. (Source)

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Neither the FT nor Sebastian Payne 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

Sebastian Payne attended an independent school and is a director of a conservative think-tank whilst married to another right-wing think-tank director. He 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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