The Scott Trust, which holds sole ownership of Guardian Media Group, has appointed renowned technologist and human rights advocate Sam Gregory to its board of directors.
A Leader in Technology and Human Rights
Sam Gregory serves as executive director of WITNESS, an international human rights organisation that leverages video and audiovisual technology to document truth and defend human rights worldwide. With more than 25 years of global experience in video technology innovation and human rights work, Gregory brings substantial expertise to the Guardian's governing body.
Gregory has established himself as a leading authority on deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, having provided testimony to both houses of the US Congress concerning artificial intelligence and synthetic media. Under his guidance, WITNESS received the inaugural Peabody Global Impact Award in 2024 for championing emergent media technologies in the service of global human rights.
Navigating AI's Impact on Media
Ole Jacob Sunde, chairman of the Scott Trust board, emphasised the significance of this appointment during a period of rapid technological transformation. "We are all navigating AI's extensive impact on the media industry," Sunde stated. "With over 25 years of global experience in innovation on video, technology and human rights, Sam's expertise will be crucial in helping safeguard the Guardian's future and bringing its journalism to new audiences."
Gregory expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, highlighting the Guardian's vital position in contemporary democracy. "I am delighted to be joining the Scott Trust Board," he said. "The Guardian's commitment to independent, high-quality journalism and its crucial role in a healthy democracy are more vital than ever. I look forward to contributing to its mission and its future."
Securing Independent Journalism
The Scott Trust was originally established as a trust in 1936 to protect the Guardian's journalistic freedom. In 2008, it transitioned to a limited company while maintaining its fundamental purpose: to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity. The Trust's secondary mission involves championing the newspaper's principles and promoting press freedom both in the UK and internationally.
This appointment comes at a critical juncture for media organisations worldwide as they confront the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, synthetic media, and the proliferation of digital misinformation.
