Today’s Feature

May 28th

June Konadu Sarpong, OBE, (born 31 May 1977) is a British television presenter and executive. She was a panellist on ITV's Loose Women and is a panelist on the Sky News programme The Pledge. In November 2019, June was appointed as the BBC's first Director of Creative Diversity.

Early life and education

June was born in Newham, London, to Ghanaian parents Thelma (née Amihere) and Samuel Sarpong. She was educated at Connaught School for Girls in Leytonstone and Sir George Monoux College in Walthamstow.

Background, Outlook & Career

June Sarpong's TV career and outspoken views on diversity in the media industry have made her a prominent figure in the UK. She recognises the potential dangers of societal division and believes that a demagogue can exploit this to spread fear. June's personal experiences and background fuel her passion for advocating for diversity and equal opportunities in the industry, as she aims to create a more inclusive framework where everyone has a chance to succeed.

June attributes her determination to challenge the lack of diversity in the industry to her upbringing in a working-class community with limited financial resources. Having experienced the hardships of losing everything, she is driven by the idea of creating a fair system where everyone has equal opportunities. June understands the frustration of being rejected due to factors unrelated to one's abilities or character, and this motivates her to fight for change.

June, now a well-known TV personality and advocate for diversity in the media industry, believes that the division in UK society creates an environment where political rabble-rousers can easily exploit people's fears and cause significant problems. With a successful career in British television, June has used her platform to address the imbalance in media representation. She emphasises that her ability to speak truth to power and connect with influential individuals sets her apart from others who come from similar backgrounds.

In a memorable moment in late 2013, June Sarpong was humorously referenced by music icon Elton John during a performance of his classic song "Your Song." John altered the lyrics to include a playful nod to Sarpong, singing "You can tell everybody 'You're June Sarpong.'" This lighthearted gesture stemmed from an inside joke shared between the two during a charity event earlier that year. The incident not only showcased Sarpong's widespread popularity but also highlighted the camaraderie she shares with influential figures across various industries.

Following the initiation of the "#WheresJuneSarpongGone" campaign by Celebrity Juice on 19 March 2015, June Sarpong was invited to join the panel of Loose Women as a guest panellist on 23 March. Her first appearance back on screen was alongside Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan, and Janet Street-Porter. This marked the beginning of her journey on the show.

After her initial guest appearance, June continued to make appearances on Loose Women as a guest panellist on multiple occasions. She appeared on the show on 16 April, 17 April, and 1 May as a guest panellist before eventually becoming a regular panellist. Initially, she covered for Sherrie Hewson while Hewson was filming Benidorm. Eventually, on 21 July 2015, June became a regular panellist on the show.

June Sarpong's time on Loose Women was marked by both professional contributions and personal moments. On 7 January 2016, she delivered an emotional speech live on the show following the passing of her brother. The show dedicated the first part to him, and a picture of a rainbow shared in his memory was widely circulated on social media.

June's involvement extended beyond Loose Women, as she also appeared as a panellist on two series of Debatable on BBC Two, showcasing her versatility and presence in the media industry. Her departure from Loose Women in December 2016 marked the end of a significant chapter in her television career.

BBC - Former Director, Creative Diversity.

June played a crucial role in enhancing the way the BBC presented its on-air talent and overseeing the selection and development of new talent for both on-air and production roles. Her responsibilities included devising strategies to ensure that the representation and portrayal of talent across the BBC and its partners were diverse and inclusive. By implementing these strategies, June aimed to create a more inclusive and representative media landscape.

In addition to her role in talent representation, June also served as a prominent ambassador for the BBC within the media industry and business. She actively collaborated with industry partners to establish Diamond, a comprehensive monitoring database system. Diamond was designed to measure the diversity profile of the workforce involved in UK productions, both on and off air. This initiative aimed to provide valuable insights into the diversity and inclusivity of the media industry, enabling targeted efforts to address any imbalances.

While working for the BBC three days a week, June also dedicated her time to her other commitments as a broadcaster and thought leader in the field of media's creative diversity agenda. Her expertise and influence extended beyond her role at the BBC, allowing her to contribute to the broader conversation surrounding diversity and representation in the media. By actively engaging with various stakeholders and sharing her insights, June aimed to drive positive change and promote a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.

Biography

June became a part of the BBC team in November of 2019, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise in broadcasting, writing, and advocating for diversity.

June has solidified her position as a key player in advocating for diversity and inclusion over the last ten years. Her unwavering commitment to instigating change within workplaces and promoting better representation in the media has been evident through her various initiatives. Notably, June has penned two impactful books, "Diversify" and "The Power of Women," which have served as powerful tools in raising awareness and championing equality in society. Her dedication to these causes is further exemplified by her co-founding of the Women - Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) Alliance in 2010, a global platform that empowers and celebrates female accomplishments, as well as the Decide Act Now (DNA) summit, which encourages dialogue and innovation in the field.

Honours & Legacy

June's remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the prestigious accolades she has received. In 2007, she was bestowed with the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to broadcasting and charitable endeavours. Fast forward to 2020, June's continued commitment to her craft led to her being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours, underscoring her profound impact and influence in the realm of media and beyond. These honours serve as a testament to June's relentless efforts in driving positive change and fostering inclusivity in society.

June's influence extends far beyond her written works and organisational affiliations. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion has not only sparked conversations but has also inspired tangible actions and initiatives that have made a lasting impact. Through her leadership and dedication, June has become a beacon of hope for those striving for a more equitable and diverse world. Her journey serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to effect change and create a more inclusive society for all.