Considerations for Automated Radio Programming
In a broad sense, automation means any function performed by equipment. In addition to an entirely automated format. equipment may be used to accomplish simple sequential functions where, for example, a cartridge tape machine automatically starts another tape machine or turntable.
Program automation generally will conjure up a vision of a combination of reel-to-reel and cartridge tapes and/or record changers, time clocks, etc. There are many stations operating with such systems, particularly FMs. However, there are instances where partial automation will fit into any format.
Why automate?
Complete automation of any
station must obviously either eliminate some personnel or improve
operational efficiency. However,
some formats will require complicated equipment to produce a multiplicity of program elements, such
as frequent time and weather announcements, record introductions, in addition to spot announcements and promotionals.
Equipment is available to do this, but it's expensive. On the other
hand, if the cost is justifiable, the
same number of people can do
more, or fewer people can do just
as much as before. Tighter and
more reliable production will likely
result from automation. Mistakes,
inherent in live programming,
should not be present in prerecorded material, and since tape
doesn't become scratchy after repeated use, overall sound should be
improved. Management can also keep a tighter rein on program
content. A live announcer frequently faces situations where he
must "ad lib" his way out, and
this can be disastrous at times.
Many AMs, particularly "personality" and "Top 40" format
stations, are finding that partial
automation is serving them better.
Multi-cartridge tape machines and
"trip cue" cartridge tape machines
which, by means of a tone, start
another tape or turntable, or any desired unit. Usually, just as many
employees are required, but station sound and efficiency are better. New devices "in the works"
may eliminate the more laborious
tasks and as a result, allow an announcer to attend to more detail,
enhancing tighter production and
a proportionately improved image.
Format Adaptation
Uncomplicated music-news announcement programming is the
simplest to adapt. Pre-taped music,
on 14" reels, with announcements
recorded on a separate reel-to-reel
tape or on cartridges in a multicartridge machine, is the most frequently used system of complete
automation. The music tape starts the talk tape by means of a tone
inserted at the appropriate time,
providing insertion of commercial
or promotional announcements, At
the conclusion of these preciselytimed talk breaks, the music tape
restarts. News, including networ news, can also be inserted by fading the music tape or stopping
it, whichever is compatible with
timing. If frequent copy changes
are necessary, the multi-cartridge
tape machines work better, simply because a single or specific
spot may be re-recorded without disturbing an entire reel. Emergency news or announcements of
immediate importance can also be
:nserted merely by fading the
music tape. System timing will
not be interrupted unless the
music tape is stopped off schedule.
In so-callea one-man operations,
where the anncuncer operates the
board and writes both program
and transmitter logs, complete
automation seems to be of little
value, since unattended operation
would doubtfully gain FCC approval. However, partial automation would permit the announcer
to direct his attention to other details, such as news gathering and
providing a much needed voice
change in a one-man operation,
not to mention better production.
But, if another staff member (the
traffic girl, chief engineer) could
monitor, one announcer could tape
the talk portion of an entire day's
programming. Logging would
have to be automatic in this case.
A larger staffed station with
control engineers can undoubtedly
economize by eliminating an Sparta MC 105 multiple-tape cartridge deck has capstan drive common to all decks. Each deck incorporates transistorized playback and
tone-burst cue amplifier, operates independently through manual control,
or when coupled to sequential electronics using multiple cue tones, may
be operated in a pre-set automated
sequence. If rack-mounted, the width
allows two units to be mounted sidE
by side in 19" space.
A more involved format presents a different breed of problems. A strong personality format,
with many program elements, will
work, but not nearly so simply.
Talk portions without the music
take far less time to record in actual man hours. Records (which
are not on the talk tape) are
played by an automatic changer
on cue from the talk tape. Since
music represents at least half of
the time, only one half as much
announcer time would be necessary to prepare a program. Time
checks and weather forecasts may
be inserted at any predetermined
time by clocks.
Stations who feel vitally obligated to continue with live informal, down-to-earth programming
will be wise to adopt some automation techniques. Even the "plush"
operations, with the gain-riding
control engineer and the disc
jockey who plays cartridge tapes
and records, multi-cartridge and
trip cue machines, can lessen menial chores and allow more devotion to air work. Generally,
more mechanical operations mean
fewer human errors.
Engineering Considerations
Your engineering department
must bear the brunt of any new
equipment installation and they must maintain it; therefore, they
should have a part in selecting
equipment. New units must be
integrated wan old, unless you
plan to replace all gear. It will be
engineering's responsibility to
train personnel to operate new
equipment, too, and if changes are
extensive this will be no slight
endeavor.
If you install total automation,
provision must be made to assure
station breaks at required times.
Automatic clocks will accomplish
this, but all must be considered initially. Accurate logs are required and unless automatic logging is a part of your plans, engineering must have a guarantee
that this obligation will not be
slighted or ignored. In most cases
of complete automation, automatic
logging is a wise investment. A
reliable EBS system is required
and it must alert a responsible
person who can take necessary
action.
Sales Considerations
The reliability of automation's continuity can be used as a selling point. Most broadcasters have found, though, that advertisers insist mainly on performance— automated or not—and haphazard practices will not be obscured solely by automation. Announcement length assumes new importance with automation. Many times, not too much attention is given the actual length of a spot. This practice will throw a system completely out of time; consequently, advertisers who like to run "overtime" must be dealt with.
If a reel-to-reel tape is used for announcements, advertisers who demand frequent and short-notice copy changes will create many problems. Of course, cartridge machines help ease this situation.
Costs
Complete automation equipment
for simple program formats (such
as FM) may cost up to $4,000.
Most manufacturers offer lease or amortization plans. Pre-taped
music averages $200 a month.
This does not include any record. Magnecord Model 1048 used as a'
component in some automated systems is adaptable to semi-automated
programming. The 1048 is a 2- channel unit which can operate for three
hours at ips. The second channel can be used for cue tones, or for facilities or audio equipment.
Total automation equipment for
modern programming (top 40,
etc.) in an AM-FM operation can
cost as much as $35,000.
Individual equipment costs vary,
depending on function and degree
of automation. Playback cartridge
machines start at $400; trip-cue
machines with record-reproduce
-functions are $1300 ($1800 for
stereo). Timing machines vary—
from as little as $100 to as much
as $1200 and more in highly complex systems.