The Scott Trust, the sole shareholder of Guardian Media Group, has announced a significant new appointment to its board that brings cutting-edge expertise in artificial intelligence and human rights to the organisation.
A Leader in Technology and Human Rights
Sam Gregory, an internationally recognised technologist, researcher and human rights advocate, has joined the Scott Trust board. Gregory serves as executive director of WITNESS, a global human rights organisation that specialises in using video and audiovisual technology to document truth and defend human rights worldwide.
With over 25 years of global experience in video technology innovation and human rights work, Gregory brings substantial expertise to the Guardian's ownership structure. He has emerged as a leading authority on deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, having testified before both Houses of the US Congress on AI and synthetic media.
Recognition and Achievement
Under Gregory's leadership, WITNESS received the inaugural Peabody Global Impact Award in 2024 for its work championing emergent media technologies in defence of human rights across the globe. This recognition highlights the organisation's significant impact in an era increasingly dominated by digital media and artificial intelligence.
Ole Jacob Sunde, chairman of the Scott Trust board, commented on the strategic importance of this appointment: "We are all navigating AI's extensive impact on the media industry. 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."
Commitment to Independent Journalism
Sam Gregory expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating: "I am delighted to be joining the Scott Trust Board. 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."
The Scott Trust was originally created as a trust in 1936 to safeguard the Guardian's journalistic freedom. In 2008, it was replaced by a limited company with the same core purpose: to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity.
This appointment comes at a critical time for media organisations worldwide as they grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly advancing AI technologies, particularly in the realms of misinformation and content verification.
