automation systems for radio

[blondenimitz]

I am doing some research for a new automation system for our AM station.  Can anyone make a recomendation for a reliable system? 

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

You have posted this on a STATE board, and the good news is that if someone shares info about the one they are using,  it could well be within driving distance for you to go and see it work.

I would suggest you go to the RADIO PROFESSIONALS area of R-I and post a similar question in the Engineering group.  There you get more of a nationwide audience for your question.

It would be helpful if you gave some hints on programming style involved,  and some hint on how you will balance cost vs. reliability.  If you are programming wall-to-wall music with traditional commercial breaks,  there will be systems that are ideal for your purpose.  But if you need a system that will do live-assist during the morning hours, and a system that can handle remotes, ball games, break-ins for election results, and still hit a network for news,  then there will be OTHER systems that give you reliability under those circumstances.

As I have visited stations and asked the very same question you are asking,  I think this is the pattern I see:  Stations end up buying the system the person who is going to run it already knows.  Second pattern:  they buy what ever some of their neighboring stations have.  That way they can support each other (if they get along)  or steal already trained staff people from each other (if they don't get along).

Budget not only to purchase the system, but budget also the cost of training.  You can pretend it won't,  but it will cost you something for training... even if it simply means jumping in the car and spending a day with another operator 150 miles away to follow them around and pick their brain.

[blondenimitz]

Goat Rodeo Cowboy,

Thank you so much.  That info is very helpful.  I will follow your advice.  Have a great rest of the week!