Kagiso Media appoints Faith Daniels as Head of News for its radio brands

Faith Daniels

The 39-year-old newshound, who was born in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, has extensive experience across media platforms. Daniels anchored the 1pm news on SABC 3 and served as editor in the broadcaster's Johannesburg newsroom. She has also worked at SAfm and Talk Radio 702 in Johannesburg as a journalist, producer and anchor.

Armed with this vast experience, a firebrand personality and a deep understanding of South Africa's media landscape, Daniels is up for the challenge, saying she is looking forward to leading the vibrant, dynamic teams at East Coast Radio and Jacaranda FM.

Daniels is tasked with delivering innovative media solutions in line with KM's vision of "building communities for good." Enhancing synergies and cross-pollination between the brands is high on her to-do list.

In addition, Daniels has been tasked with refining the stations' news product, to give them a competitive edge in their respective markets. This includes enhancing the brands' multi-media news offerings.

"Greatness inspires me," says Daniels, who is mum to 2-year-old, Luke. "From the person who silently keeps an entire community going on a meagre salary - to the excellence of Christiane Amanpour in what she contributes to the world of journalism...and the many women (yes women) who change the patriarchal society we live in, bit-by-bit each day."

"As journalists, our stories are nothing special without the ordinary voice. If we cannot hold government, business and everyone else accountable through the ordinary voice, then we are failing ourselves."

Nick Grubb, KM's Chief Executive: Radio, says that the role will build on the solid base already established by two stations: "Our radio news offerings have always been strong, and we're getting great traction digitally. Faith will be helping us take this to another level though. Our newsrooms are a key centre for producing original content every day, and great content is our passion and focus."

Daniels lists being able to travel South Africa as one of the highlights of her career. "There is no better learning tool than travel. South Africans remain my favourite people in the world. My people. I cannot imagine living anywhere else."