10 Questions with ... Maria Laing

NAME:Maria Laing TITLE:Executive Director of Business Development COMPANY:MrMasterOnline BORN:Van Nuys, CA RAISED:Van Nuys, CA

Please outline your radio career so far:

Triad Artist - Booking Agent (Promoted from within) - 1984-1992
Speed of Sound - Management - 1992-1994
Global Satellite Networks - Producer "Food For Thought," and Phone screener for "Rockline" and "Modern Rock Live" - 1994-1996
Entertainment Radio Networks - VP/Producer Radio Division - 1996-1999
On The Radio Networks - Affiliate Sales for the "Dr. Demento Show," "Goodtime Oldies Magazine," and "Back To the 70's" - 1999-2001
Maria Laing Consulting - President - syndicated Dr. Demento - 2001-2003
Prism Media Partners - Syndication Partner Jim Ladd, Jim Villanueva, Johnny Valenzuela- 2002-2003
MrMasterOnline- Co-Creator /Executive Director Business Development - 2003 to Present

1) Tell us about the Mr. Master Delivery service and how it can help radio programmers?

MrMasterOnline is the leading independent content distributor. We provide proven innovative solutions for radio stations, content providers, and advertisers.

With networks downsizing, stations prefer and rely on our service to deliver their programming. Our service has become their continuity. There are no passwords or usernames to remember. We currently deliver shows that range from two minutes to five hours via our Media-Shooter-Pro Software.

We are also working closely with Google (Wide Orbit), Audiovault, Prophet Systems, iMediaTouch and most automation systems in order to provide technical expertise and assistance to the stations on the best way to utilize their existing gear when accepting long form digital files and how to integrate and safely automate them directly into and with their automation systems. This has proven to be instrumental in stations accepting long form digital files from www.MrMasterOnline.com.

2) What is it that makes Mr. Master's service unique?

Copy splits and blackouts have become essential in today's media buys. In today's highly competitive and economically challenging environment, it is necessary to supply our client's advertisers the ability to market to specific regions, markets, formats, time zones and anything else they conjure up. Media buys are very comprehensive and specifically targeted. There is a significant amount of time, effort, and expense that goes into organizing, and delivering the proper materials to the proper station.

Using our clients existing trafficking systems, MrMasterOnline has the ability to provide customized distributions for EVERY individual station. It is truly transparent to the station who would never know that that they were part of a copy split or blackout. In addition to the delivery of ROS spots, stations are also requesting digital delivery of long and short-form shows which will also be "copy split-able" in the very near future.

I take special pride giving stations an end-to-end solution in the same manner we provide our content providers. Although our service does not charge the stations, they are always treated with the same importance of service. Service, knowledge and integrity in delivery is what makes us unique. To ensure this, I work closely with Chief Engineers, IT, Production, Programming, Sales, staff at the Corporate, Regional and Local station level.

3) When did you realize there was a need for this service and what prompted you to develop it?

I was a client of Mr. Master when I was representing Dr. Demento back in the days when nationally syndicated shows were being distributed on CD. I was also on the forefront of entering into a partnership starting a syndication company with former Rockline Producer and KLOS MD, Jim Villanueva, Free-Form Radio Innovator Jim Ladd, and engineer Johnny Valenzuela.

During that time there was much talk among syndication producers about discontinuing CD delivery of syndicated shows and moving their delivery to the Internet. Most networks were contemplating FTP delivery which was already an antiquated technology with limited delivery options and security risks. With the technological guidance of a close family member I was able to architect the structure of the MrMasterOnline system that I then took to Stu Jacobs at Mr. Master and from that point forward we co-created/developed the service we provide today.

4) What do you believe will be the next trend in music technology?

Once there is a stable, dependable in-dash computer in your car, everything as we know it will blow up! It is not too far away! The future possibilities are endless and exciting!

5) Who do you consider your mentors in this business?

I have worked in radio for over 15 years in many capacities and I have been fortunate to have worked with many talented, innovative individuals who have helped to shape the landscape of radio.

Early in my career, I learned my foundation from Janie Hoffman, one of my dear friends and great mentors. Janie taught me how the importance of integrity, hard work and relationships were always the success of anything you set out to do. She is truly an innovator and inspiration. I was also fortunate to have worked with the late George Taylor Morris (last heard on Sirius Deep Tracks), Richard Kimball, Jim Villanueva, Jim Ladd, Dana Miller, Dr. Demento and Melinda Lee.

6) Who is your best friend in the business?

This is really a difficult question to answer. But there are a few people that need to be mentioned. These are the people I reach out to on a regular basis to guide and assist in my moments of need... Jim Villanueva, Michelle Parisi, Mark Strickland, Jay Silvers, Jay Carneal, Jeff Hansen, Stu Jacob ,Dave Supplee, RDUB, Ron Shapiro, Pam Morris, Dave Roberts, Sean Cherry, Charles Steinhauer and of course, the team here at MrMasterOnline.com.

7) Tell us what music we would find on your I-Pod right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

First of all, can I just say that I love love love my IPOD! My favorite music on it is Larisa Stow's, "Reaching Out" CD. (You can hear her music at www.scaredsoundsradio.com).

I also love and listen to regulary the new Chickenfoot, Collective Soul, Pennywise, Buck Storm, Soundgarden, U2, Matthew Sweet, and Rage Against the Machine. I also love to play Bejeweled and Peggle (I am a Peggle Master!)

8) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

Most people would be surprised that I am a great cook, am very spiritual and wanted to be a Veterinarian before I got into music.

9) What advice would you give people new to the business?

No fear!!!! Anything is possible if you do the work and follow your dreams with an "I CAN ATTITUDE!"

10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The one truth that has held constant throughout my career has been an "I can" attitude. I have always believed that if it can be imagined it can be done. MrMasterOnline is proof of that!

1) What do you do in your spare time?

What spare time...lol!!! I work-out everyday and now that its football season you will find me watching my Vikings (hoping for a Super-bowl ring this year) or any football game that is on. I also love going to concerts and spending time with my home girls and family! I am also involved in various community programs which allow me give back.

2) What are your hobbies?

I love to make jewelry and study the metaphysical properties of stone and gems, reading and watching football!

3) What is your favorite TV show?

"Lost," "Paranormal States," and Monday Nite Football!

4) What is your favorite TV commercial?

I like the cell phone rollover minutes commercial where the family is in the car and the two sons are sitting in the back seat. The mom gives one son the evil glare for mocking her about throwing out his old cell phone minutes. It's such a classic, "there is that nothing more to say moment...the moms look says it all!"

5) What do you like to read?

Right now I am reading "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise L. Hay. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to be responsible for their own actions and thoughts while helping the world to become a better place.