Iconic broadcaster awarded Honorary Doctorate

Awarded as part of the University’s 2024 graduation ceremonies and celebrations, June has become an Honorary Doctor of Media, in recognition of her successful career both in the creative industries and as a Diversity and Inclusion leader. June’s pioneering influence has shaped socio-political discourse in Britain, actively improving Diversity and Inclusion while playing a key role in dismantling oppression.

With a career spanning 25 years, June has paved the way for women in the media as a prominent voice in both television and radio. Appearing on many television favourites, June is one of British television’s most recognisable faces, and has interviewed some of the world’s most notable people.

June was the first Global Director of Creative Diversity at the BBC and the first Black woman to sit on the corporation’s Executive Committee. During this time, June led the diversity and inclusion strategy and implementation for the BBC’s global audience of more than 500-million people.

A powerful social campaigner and commentator, June has authored three books discussing gender and racial equality and is the co-creator of Women: Inspiration and Enterprise (WIE) - a professional network for women. With networks in New York City, the UK and Africa, WIE has a global community of more than 200,000 women.

In 2007, in recognition of her philanthropic and broadcasting work, June was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). She later became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), in the 2020 New Years Honours list.