June Sarpong Quit BBC?

June Sarpong, the BBC’s director of creative diversity, is stepping down amid continued worries over the corporation’s lack of diversity.

The veteran broadcaster has been with the company on a part-time, contract basis since joining just over two years ago as the first individual to hold this position, which is aimed at “raising the number of ethnic minorities and disabled persons on television.”

When her previous contract expired last November, Ms. Sarpong, 44, signed a new one, which is still in effect. According to The Independent, she is anticipated to complete her work at the BBC this year.

“As the BBC’s Director of Creative Diversity, June Sarpong is continuing to deliver on her commitments to ensure audiences across the UK, from all backgrounds and communities, can feel that the BBC is for them,” a representative for the broadcaster said.

While there are still concerns about racism and lack of diversity, a number of senior executives of color have left the company in the last year including Miranda Wayland, the company’s head of diversity for creative projects, who is leaving to join Amazon, and Rozina Breen, who is departing to lead the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

Sangita Myska, the BBC’s most senior Black news executive, is moving to Channel 4 and Jackie Christie, the BBC’s human resources director, has also left the corporation.

A BBC spokesperson responded to the departures by saying, “The BBC nurtures world-class talent and people move on for a number of reasons, including to take up fantastic roles elsewhere, which we have seen happen recently.”

When Brenda Emmanus resigned in October 2020, the BBC London arts and culture correspondent was accused of being treated like a cog in a machine after 18 years of service.

The announcement was made via a low-key press release and swiftly spread via Twitter. The BBC’s Nina Robinson will also be leaving in December of that year.

Why Is June Sarpong Leaving BBC?

The BBC’s director of creative diversity, June Sarpong, is leaving her post due to recurring complaints about a lack of diversity inside the organization.