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 Radio presenter and former Sun managing editor Stig Abell. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Stig Abell attended the independent school for boys Loughborough Grammar School (source) before graduating from Cambridge University (source).

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving DDoor.

Abell was previously the Director of the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). Does moving between regulating the press and writing/editing in the press raise concerns about conflicts of interest? (source)

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

None.

Complaints/Controversies

Stig Abell was widely criticised for his role as a senior editor at the Sun when Katie Hopkins published an article that compared immigrants to “cockroaches.” Abell apparently “regrets the column was not better edited” (source)

Salary/Indications of Wealth

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

Stig Abell’s salary is undisclosed but highly likely to be well in excess of the UK average.

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

Summary

Stig Abell attended a private school then Cambridge University and moved from being head of the Press Complaints Commission to overseeing, as a senior editor, Sun columns comparing immigrants to cockroaches.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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