From pioneering podcast journalism to championing women's political engagement

Boni Sones is a Fellow-Commoner at Lucy. She is known for her extensive work with women politicians across party lines, and has played a pivotal role in enriching the dialogue around women's suffrage and political engagement. Boni’s efforts have culminated in the establishment of a special Vote 100 podcast archive at the Churchill Archives Centre, a project spearheaded by former President Jackie Ashley and supported by the current President, Madeleine Atkins.

Boni’s work can be found at Interviews with Boni Sones OBE in the Centenary Year of Women's Suffrage - Churchill College (cam.ac.uk) and at other archives at the LSE and the British Library.

“When I meet the young people I have mentored over the years they greet me with “still here, you didn’t give up”.  This summer I will have worked in the media for 50 years, in print, radio and TV journalism as an on-air Correspondent and rising to Editor. 

Boni’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. "I was one of the first to venture into podcast journalism, a role that not only challenged the conventional media landscape but also honoured me with an OBE in 2009 for these efforts," she reflects. Her pioneering spirit even afforded her an audience with the Queen, during which she introduced Her Majesty to the concept of podcasting at its dawn.

Beyond her media achievements, Boni has also made significant contributions as a Policy Associate at the Centre for Business Research (CBR) at Cambridge Judge Business School. Here, she has dedicated herself to demystifying complex research in economics and law through podcasts and blogs, making these subjects more accessible to the general public.

Multimedia from CBR - News and multimedia from CBR - Cambridge Judge Business School

“It’s taken tenacity and resilience and weathering the many ups and downs to still be here enjoying practising my skill at a time when the internet and AI is taking over the professions.  But what the heck I am very much “still here” and importantly, enjoying it.

I like talking to people and learning about them and the public policy issues that concern them. I like to champion balanced journalism where both sides are spoken to and given the opportunity to explain what their positions are. I am very much a domestic journalist and feel that far more could be done on social affairs issues, which are not covered well at the moment. This includes education and the challenges it faces. Sometimes it can feel like you are pushing a boulder uphill, as with the 20 years of work with women MPs, but I have found that if you believe in something you can always find fellow travellers. Just keep going, don't give up and that in turn gives you energy. Don’t lose your dreams.     

There is so much I could say about Lucy particularly now it has transitioned to being a very different college to the one I joined as a Fellow-Commoner. The atmosphere is calm and inviting and its students are interested in external affairs and others. What a nice generation and student body to be part of. 

"Lucy is hugely enhancing my life, giving me new energy to be part of its community," she shares.

Boni’s story serves as a powerful reminder that through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to fairness, one can navigate the ever-changing landscape of their profession and leave a lasting legacy.