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#Newsmaker: Kia Johnson joins Smile 90.4FM
Here, Johnson tells us what excites her most about the station and how she balances her various roles, career-wise and as a mother of two…
I’m so excited and already having so much fun with both weekend shows. Smile Saturday Breakfast, which airs from 7am to 10am, is fast-paced, engaging and interactive, and Smile Cape Town Classics, which airs from 9pm to 11pm on Saturday evenings, brings back that nostalgic Cape Town feeling with a range of music that showcases the true historic moments of the Mother City.
The station resonates with its listeners on so many different levels. It boasts a fantastic footprint and is one of the fastest growing stations currently. I'm looking forward to being a part of this journey.
I love that radio is always evolving and has an ability to create a visual portrayal of what you are bringing to your audience. Radio also has a very personal way that it communicates with you and a medium you can take everywhere.
It took hard work, determination and perseverance. Consistency is also key and being prepared to be flexible in an ever-changing work environment are the kinds of qualities that have sustained me. I'm always willing to lend a hand where I can and prepared to put in the hard work where I need to.
The two shows are unique, I'm eager to take you on a trip down memory lane every Saturday evening with Smile Cape Town Classics. I want listeners to remember the music that gave them joy and love and great memories. With Smile Saturday Breakfast I'm looking forward to a more fun-filled show and maintaining our fantastic engagement with our audience.
I try my utmost to maintain a routine, even though both environments are quite busy, the routine has helped me. I believe in taking a breather to rejuvenate, which means exercise is a must, spending time with good friends and family and making sure to go on regular road trips.
I've had to have a lot of patience and be prepared to give not only 100% but 150% to whichever work role has come my way. I'm a mom as well, to two very busy toddlers so that adds to my workload. Being a woman, I've been blessed to be a multi-tasker of note. This has been a great strength for me.
As a woman I've been judged in a variety of ways, there isn't one woman I know that hasn't. I've experienced discrimination, low pay in comparison to my male counterparts and not given opportunities because as a woman, 'you're not strong enough to get certain roles'. Thankfully the industry has begun a point of change and even though the discrimination remains, there's been an awakening and a realisation of the importance of women's rights.
With many news stories reflecting negative information, I've begun researching positive and feel-good stories that encompass those who are doing amazing work, people with great tenacity for upliftment and those who are trying their utmost to make our communities a better place. Smile90.4FM is an inspiring station and has changed my outlook on how I research and receive news. It's a breath of fresh air, which I will continue to verbalise.
Tell us something about yourself not generally known.
I can still do the bridge and the handstand. I can imitate the voices of the animated characters, Woody Woodpecker and Goofy. I'm also known for making deliciously yummy vegan dishes.