The Infinite Dial

Title: Associate Producer, The Preston and Steve Show.

Who is Marisa? "I have been working at WMMR for almost six years - I was going to school at Suffolk University in Boston and took an internship in the promotions department between sophomore and junior year. The morning show intern at the time was leaving to get brain surgery so I offered to take his spot - and I have been waking up everyday at 4:30 in the morning ever since. I ended up transferring to Temple University to work [for free of course] with "The Philly Guys" who, after 2 years and a few personal changes, were replaced with The Preston and Steve Show. Initially I had no real job position with Preston and Steve, I was just there to help the show get acquainted with the new studio, but eventually they fell in love with me and could not go on without my presence (at least I like to think that!) and now I am the 6th member of the show.

To fill whatever personal life I have outside of working every hour of the day, I try to go to concerts - Jimmy Buffett shows especially. I am a Parrothead, tailgating with baby pools and blenders at 10 o'clock in the morning. Other favorites are Bob Dylan and Foo Fighters - oh whom I played Hungry, Hungry Hippos with in February! I also love Philly Sports; Phillies, Flyers and of course the Eagles - think Buffett tailgates in 30 degree weather! I watch the Food Network a lot, but it only makes me hungry not a better chef. I love surprises and never answer when someone asks "What do you want for your birthday"? My current is philosophy is that a cold Stella Artrios makes any day of the week better."

What would your dream job be? "I am living my dream job. I meet great people, even some of my favorite celebrities, and everyday there is something new and unexpected. Every bit of pressure results in a rewarding payoff that I get to share with hundreds of thousands of people every day. The next thing I have to look forward to is retirement."

Who has been your greatest influence? "Chuck Damico, the current Assistant Programming Director of WMMR. When I first started he was board-op for the morning show 6-10 then Promotions Director from 10 till whenever. He taught me all the technical skills he knew, but I gained the most by watching his daily interactions around the radio station. I still learn from him every day!"

What is the one format that you can't believe nobody has done? "All cover songs all the time."

How could radio do a better job of attracting younger listeners? "It's so hard to compete with iPods and the internet, stations should create streaming links to post on MySpace/Facebook sites. Or bring back the Walkman."

How will radio remain relevant in a digital world? "Our show has scored big with Podcasting - by posting on iTunes we have gained listeners around the world. As for live feeds, streaming is key. It becomes habit for listeners to get to work and open the stream before checking their e-mail."