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Automatic for the people?
There are claims that automation is killing off the radio industry; but how do you define automation?
There are lots of arguments about using automation on music radio stations. Automation is when a computer fills in the bits that a presenter traditionally does - from sequing songs, playing in idents and even playing links pre-recorded by the presenter.
How do you define auotmation? Sitting recording your link during the record so you can concentrate on the technical bits during the actual seque. Does that count?
Recording a nervous caller and then cutting out the stuttering and pauses, so the person sounds more confident and it is easier to listen to. Does that count?
Getting MasterControl to play the next three records whilst you nip out to the toilet / quick fag / chatting to a caller on the phone. Does that count?
Recording the links for the final hour of your four hour stint because you want to dash off and do a public appearance. Does that count?
Doing a pre-recorded interview with someone for an evening news show because that person would not be available when it was meant to be TXed. Does that count?
What your job as programme controller / manager is is to create the best sounding radio station for your listeners. How important is the fact them being live to that experience? If you are tuning in because you want a music-box in the corner then the fact that Fred is live is really irrelevant.
As one of the guys at a major radio group said to me "Why should I pay a decent presenter to sit in a studio and do what a computer can do quite happily, when they could be using that time to properly prep their show, record interviews and do PA work that boosts our profile?"