10 Questions with ... Faith Daniels

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started at the age of 14 and took the ride --1350AM WLOU, 1370 AM WABD, WQQK 92Q, KALA 88.5, WPXR 98.9, 1480AM WCIN, WVMX 94.1, WKFS 107.1, WIZF 100.9, WMOJ 94.9, WARM 98.5 AND WMOJ 100.3 and now, 92.1 WROU, Dayton, OH ... 9 years and 4 months!

1) What's new with the Faith Daniels Foundation LLC?

During COVID-19 our focus has been food and financial assistance for families in need. We have partnered with local organizations as well as my own station to raise the most food in the history of my “Holiday Help Out Food Drive!” That’s when I move into the Firehouse in Trotwood, Ohio for 3 days to raise food and donations to help families and Food Pantries restock their shelves. This year we served 160 families that included 50 families from Miami Valley Hospital North (Doctors, nurses, staff and ER workers). That is in addition to collecting 6,485 pounds of food for local food pantries to replenish their shelves after the holidays. We stay under the radar because we don’t and never have done fundraising. My husband and I see the need and we meet it with the help of donors, sponsors, and individuals that feel the need to help and they do. God never leaves us alone in the giving season. We have never turned away a family.

2) What have you learned about radio during COVID-19?

I learned that that my listeners needed me. They needed to hear my struggles and fears to know that they were not alone. They needed me to be on the radio every single day to calm their fears the best way I could. They needed information and honest discussion about what was happening and how to navigate the unknown. I was scared and I still am. But I know there are listeners counting on me to be brave and educated about what to do. listeners love me and I love them, and we are clinging to each other in this challenging time!

3) How have the duties of your job evolved?

Well, I work from home now, so my day is 12-14 hours long because with furloughs. I don’t have a Promotions Director, Sales Assistant or Midday Talent. So, with the job(s) I already do, I added those duties to support my sales staff and cover all the bases. I’ll be honest my passion drives me because there are days that I am overwhelmed, tired, and frustrated. But my listeners need me, and I put them above all else.

4) Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?

Prayer. Only God has kept me through this last year! I have wanted to give up, quit and just not get out of bed on a lot of days but prayer and meditation have seen me through. I am so grateful for his grace and mercy through the pandemic. That is the only way I made it.

5) What are some of the lessons passed on to you by those who've influenced or mentored you?

1. Always answer the call. There will come a time when they are not calling for you anymore and you will be old news…
2. Put your listener first. Think of them, think how they think and do your best to be there for them. Not only on the radio but in real life. Show up for them. It’s just like when you ask them to show up for you.
3. Take nothing for granted -- ratings, views, attendance, or popularity. Always know you are only as good as your last book! You cannot live on “Back when I was.”

6) How has being in this business helped you grow?

It has help me grow because I have come to realize that people look to me so it cannot be about me. I have to be invisible, feel the pain, hear the hurt, and offer solutions mixed with celebrity news & gossip, music, laughs and motivation. In addition to letting the listener into my personal life just a little bit through Facebook lives, blogs, and taking their calls.

7) What direction do you see radio headed?

If radio can survive COVID-19 baby, we can survive anything. I see us more and more moving to content creation with videos and live streams. I do my hair and eyelashes almost daily now because of streaming live video with StreamYard and interview requests from listeners. Because of that I have to “Stay Ready --So I Don’t Have To Get Ready” to be seen on social media.

8) Have you ever been interested in any other profession?

Actually, I am a licensed beautician, nail artist, reflexologist, and romance noir writer. Close ya mouths, wait until you read it --It’s so sexy.

9) How important is it to understanding the methodology of PPM and Diary measurement?

It is especially important, so you understand how your station is being measured, how to manage the information provided, and give it application to your programming philosophy. You cannot shoot in the dark and expect to win the prize, you have to know how to evaluate the data and give it application.

10) What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Never take your listener for granted.

If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

1. Be a multibillionaire so I could care for all the hungry families and needy children I can find.
2. Bring back my mom, dad, brother, and sister as they have passed on.
3. I could make everyone feel loved and perfect. no matter what they look like, their disabilities’ or history. They would feel love, accepted and respected. I do this daily but it’s only one me so a wish would help me touch more people.