Radio Days: Meet Danielle Johnson, The First Black Woman to Own a Digital Radio Station in Boston
“Let’s not forget the fact that radio and entertainment are often ran by men, and women are often overlooked or ignored. As a black woman I wanted to change that.” Today’s woman dreamer, Danielle Johnson, is the first black woman to own a digital radio station in Boston. Originally a nursing student, she later realized her true calling. She is now the Owner of Spark FM, Boston’s go-to Urban and Caribbean station. From Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley amongst many inspiring guests and talented musicians, her station brings the Boston communities together and truly highlights of the importance of women and minorities in the radio world.
1) You are the first black woman to own a digital radio station in the history of radio in Boston, SPARK FM Online. Tell us yoru story. Where are you from, and what inspired you to work in radio?
Born and raised right here in Boston, MA, from a bhild my heart was set on being a nurse. After 2 years in college and getting below performance level in some of the key courses in my nursing program, I decided to switch to communications. That point was pivotal on my trajectory for my future career path. I started to excel and found my voice. Fast forward to 2009 after a stint on an internet radio station in Quincy, I landed an internship at an up and coming community radio station where things took off. For 10 years I have been building my name and personal brand and staying connected to the community through my radio shows and social media. From there, I created and launched a podcast in 2016 and almost 5 years later founded Spark FM in 2020. This all happened while I was the manager of a non profit called GRLZ radio where we encouraged girls to find there voice through radio broadcasting, podcasting, blogging, and YouTubing. My passion for radio has never died since I started and that passion has lead me to where I am now! The Founder and owner of Spark FM.
2) Spark FM is Boston's #1 station for Urban and Caribbean Music. What was the need you saw when you launched this business?
From working in radio throughout the last decade I realized that there were so many things missing from our airwaves. We (urban community) are often marketed to by often underserved. The bigger names mega brands weren’t hiring local homegrown talent and were often disconnected to anything locally. The smaller brands are often lacking in professionalism, outreach, and innovation. Let’s not forget the fact that radio and entertainment are often ran by men, and women are often overlooked or ignored. As a black woman I wanted to change that. I wanted to incorporate everything I learned and observed over the year and build a station that was everything that we needed: professional, inclusive, fun, and resourceful to the community that we serve
3) What was the best moment you had on Spark FM? Who was a guest you had that was truly memorable?
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was by far to date the most exciting guest. As the first black woman from MA to hold a congressional seat, me , also being a first in Boston, I felt it to be necessary for her to have a voice on Spark FM. It wasn’t an interview that I did personally because as I build the station I had to learn that I can’t do everything. She was interviewed by one my favorite broadcasters, Tayla Andre and it was Magical. Every new listener and interview, every time we get a small or little win, every time I see our growth from the last month excites me. Being able to make significant moves in business during a global pandemic has been amazing. This is an unfair questions because besides hating the struggle, I’m loving everything about building this empire.
4) Tell us about your experience as a woman founder in the radio space. What were some lessons or challenges faced along the way?
The challenge of being an entrepreneur in general is hard. Add being a female in the radio world is a whole other set of challenges. How I’m spoken to and regarded are still things I’m struggling with, finding my authoritative voice, navigating the back end of the industry and proving to myself and the world that “I got this” is a never ending lesson. I learned that as a woman out working men is a part of my job description. I have to think smarter, be better, and never forget who I am. My vision has to be larger than my ego. These lessons I know will continue to get harder and more complicated as me and the business grows. I do however understand it’s part of the journey. As women we are resilient, strong, and powerful, and can figure things out while raising children and growing a business. We can’t do it all but leave to a women to try :)
5) How do you believe music can empower women and communities?
Music has always been a universal language that speaks to so many. Right now there is so much great music that can take you up or put you into any mood you need. Before I get dressed for an interview or to speak at an event I listen to very aggressive girl power music. I sing loud, I dance, and I let the words that I’m hearing sink in. Women and communities are no different. We have to find the lyrics or the rhythms that speak to the mood that we desire to be in and let it take us there. Live in that moment and let the words do what they were created to do... connect us to the feelings and moods that are needed.