Influential Woman · Broadcast Media
DANIELLE M SMITH
Reporter, Public News Service
Gallatin, TN
Her Story
About DANIELLE
Danielle is an award-winning broadcast journalist, producer, and radio personality with more than two decades of experience telling stories that inform, inspire, and empower communities. As a Producer and Reporter for Public News Service, she covers public policy, healthcare, education, environmental issues, and community affairs across Tennessee and Pennsylvania. Her work is driven by a commitment to public-interest journalism, bringing attention to issues that impact everyday people while amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream media.
In addition to her reporting work, Danielle has been a longtime fixture in radio broadcasting through WGBN AM 1360 & 98.9 FM, where she serves as the creator, producer, and host of *Good News*. The weekly public affairs program highlights individuals, organizations, and community leaders making a positive difference locally and beyond. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a skilled interviewer, engaging storyteller, and trusted media professional, with experience spanning news reporting, on-air hosting, copywriting, voiceover work, marketing, and audience engagement.
A graduate of Point Park University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Danielle has been recognized for her contributions to media and community service with honors including the Pittsburgh Courier’s 50th Women of Excellence Award, the Robert L. Vann Award of Excellence, and the Community Spirit Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she remains deeply involved in civic and nonprofit initiatives, serving on the communications board of the Functional Literacy Ministry of Haiti and supporting organizations dedicated to education, equity, and community empowerment. Through her journalism and service, Danielle continues to use media as a platform for connection, awareness, and positive change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with DANIELLE
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to faith, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to serving people through storytelling. For more than two decades, I have remained focused on using journalism and radio as tools to inform, encourage, and amplify voices that may not otherwise be heard. I have also been fortunate to learn from mentors, collaborate with dedicated colleagues, and build meaningful relationships in the communities I cover. My success is rooted in staying curious, preparing well, listening closely, and never losing sight of the responsibility that comes with being entrusted to tell someone’s story.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My best career advice is to put God first, stay focused on my purpose and reach back and help someone coming along behind me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If she’s starting college, I would encourage her to pursue journalism or broadcasting, but also choose a minor or develop another marketable skill. That extra area of study can provide options after graduation. If she does not immediately land the journalism job she wants, she may be able to work in a field related to her minor while continuing to build her media career. I would recommend she start a radio show, launch a podcast, freelance, or create other projects that help her gain experience and move toward her long-term goal. I did not have a minor in college, but I gained work experience outside journalism. That experience was valuable. The key is to develop another skill while learning journalism, so you have both flexibility and a stronger foundation for your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in journalism is preserving public trust in an environment crowded with misinformation, polarization, shrinking local-news resources, and AI-generated content. The biggest opportunity is to meet audiences where they are while delivering accurate, community-centered reporting that helps people make informed decisions.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith keeps me grounded and reminds me to lead with purpose. Integrity is essential because people trust me to tell stories accurately, respectfully, and fairly. Service matters because I believe my work should inform, uplift, and create opportunities for others, not just build my own career. I also value compassion, especially when listening to people share personal experiences, and excellence because every story, interview, and interaction deserves preparation, care, and professionalism. In both my personal life and my work, I try to treat people with respect, remain accountable, and use my platform to make a positive difference.
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