June Sarpong OBE

Broadcaster, writer, and campaigner June Sarpong is a familiar face on British television and was appointed Head of Creative Diversity at the BBC. A versatile presenter, June has fronted everything from T4 to shows on Sky Arts and various BBC documentaries. She has interviewed some of the most high-profile names in politics, music and acting.  

After starting out at Kiss FM, June’s television break came on MTV before joining Channel 4 to co-host the music and entertainment slot, T4. As well as interviewing a mix of Hollywood stars and up-and-coming musicians, her time on T4 saw her host When Tony Met June, a one-off interview with Tony Blair during his final general election campaign. June also hosted live events including the Make Poverty History Trafalgar Square event and the UK celebrations for Nelson Mandela’s ninetieth birthday. She’s a regular on Sky News’ current affairs show The Pledge and has appeared on Question Time, The Andrew Marr Show, Daily Politics, This Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and has even made an appearance in the comedy series Extras.

Away from broadcasting June is the co-founder of the WIE Network (Women: Inspiration & Enterprise) and of the DNA (Decide Now Act) Summit, which brings together some of the most innovative people to discuss how to build initiatives that will have a positive social impact. She was also a board member of Stronger IN – the official campaign of the remain side of the UK/EU referendum. 

June is also the author of Diversify: Six Degrees of Integration, The Power of Women: Why Feminism Works for Everyone and The Power of Privilege: How White People Can Challenge Racism. Diversify looks at the social and economic cost of excluding marginalised groups, whilst The Power of Women debunks some of the myths around feminism and highlights why improving female representation in all areas makes a vital contribution to society, business and politics. In The Power of Privilege, June empowers those fortunate enough not to be 'otherised' by mainstream Western society to become effective allies against racism, by understanding the roots of their privilege and the systemic societal inequities that perpetuates it.

June launched The HQ Creative Inclusion Lab with publisher Harper Collins to promote underrepresented communities, including the disabled, minority ethnic groups and people of working-class backgrounds.

A passionate activist for social equality and women’s rights, June is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and campaigns for the Make Poverty History movement, The ONE Campaign, and RED – all of which seek to raise awareness about extreme poverty, related health issues and social inequality.