Finalist Q&A: Remote News Service

Lesley Lotto is a veteran radio broadcaster who saw a need in small to medium sized markets for quality news (not rip and read), provided by broadcast journalists with college degrees! Her company provides news and host music and/or talk programming at dramatically reduced rates.

Idea Cafe: How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what were your influences and sources of motivation?

Lesley Lotto at work.

I came up with the idea after moving around the country for new jobs too much! I wanted my kids to have a stable life and didn't want my husband to have to look for another job, again! I had been told by a few people to go for it and I love a challenge, so I did! Podcasting had become a passion and I was making some money at it and this seemed like a natural progression of technology meeting demand.

What do you consider to be a unique feature of your business?

My business is unique in that it is the only Female owned and operated business of this type in the world!

What are your thoughts on the future of small businesses in a slowing economy and their importance to the vitality of the local community?

The future of small business is precarious at best, with a solid idea that's needed desperately in a community and the right service, it can thrive though.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

Idea Regulars should vote for Remote News Service because it's just plain unique! It's desperately needed in the marketplace as news talk radio stations around the country cannot afford quality news. It's a sad commentary.

Click here to download a three minute news clip by Remote News Service.