NEWS

Version History and Download Links

LPFM and Broadcast Radio Setup Support

The LPFM Store has set up hundreds of low power FM and commercial FM radio stations across the United States. We support hundreds of other installations in other parts of the world. We can assist you or your organization to start a new Radio Station – either broadcasting on a low power basis, on a commercial full-power FM frequency, or on the internet.  If you’re interested in starting up a new LPFM radio station or an FM radio station, you’re in the right place! We are broadcasters ourselves! One of the few LPFM radio broadcasters that have made the progression to obtaining a full-power FM radio frequency and operating commercially.  This journey has enabled us to offer unparalleled support through all the stages of building and operating a radio station.

More information here: https://lpfmstore.com/

Featured

11 Quick Tips on Starting an Internet Radio Station

1. Decide On Station format
This is the most important part, make sure to pick something you are
passionate about, because it takes time to build an audience, so you will
need the drive to keep going.

2. Get stream hosting
Your stream host is the second most important part, they need to be
reliable. Luckily today most stream hosting providers would not be in
business unless they are reliable. Your stream host will be the server
that serves the stream to your listeners.

3. Decide auto DJ or Automation
Many stream host give free auto DJ functionality with their hosting
accounts. This will allow you to upload music to your stream host, and have
the auto DJ play it. Off course there are limitations to what can be done
using this setup, and off course using radio automation software will
produce a much more polished internet radio station

4. Make sure to look into licensing
Remember you will need music royalty licensing your station to pay
royalties to artist who’s songs you play.

5. List your station in directories/ Tune In Api
Once your station is running and a bit fine tuned, list your station in as
many directories you can find. From my experience these are the
directories that get you the biggest audience.

TuneIn – use the tuneIN api to get best results
iTunes – They have strict listing rules, pay attention
Any others found by Googling ‘internet radio directory’ etc..

6. Be consistent 24/7
Stream 24/7 with a consistent format. People tune in from all over the
world, and must find what they expect when they expect it.

7. Create the format/organize music
Create a format, just merely playing a list of songs probably won’t cut it.
Organize your music into categories, create clocks/rotations that create a
feel…

8. Sound Processing is important
Sound processing is important, and you will only be able to do this if you
are using radio automation software. The better your stream sounds, the
more likely you will retain listeners.

9. Voice Tracking or Live Hosting
Giving a personality to the station and talking on air now and then builds a
bond with the audience and gives you an edge, but this is work…

10. Promote at local events
Print cards and give them out at events, post banners at events, market on
social media without being annoying.

11. Be Patient
It takes time to build an audience.. your dream of 10,000 people tuning in
on launch date most probably wont happen… but if you work at it, you can
build a respectable audience size.

12. Social Media
Promoting on social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram can be
very helpful to gain new listeners, but this needs to be done very carefully. Posting every song you play
on Twitter will not entice your audience, and in fact will make you loose your intended impact.
Use social media sparinglly for getting the best results.

more to come………………….

Featured

Version 7.0.9 (5/11/2026)

New:

  1. Updated VT host/Sweeper profile window
  2. Added ability to add host picture, shows up in StudioLink when they are logged in
  3. Added Auto Aircheck option, this will automatically record airchecks for all voicetracks and ai announcements that play for hosts
  4. Added ability to convert library to cart# in Cart Maker screen
  5. Added experimental nextLink, can use nkManager as music scheduler, ai, Remote vt, etc for third party radio automations
  6. Added option to auto assign cart number on auto asset ingest
  7. Showed more fields in StudioLink Library Search results
  8. Eliminated the re-download of assets when loading multitrack after vt record in StudioLink
  9. Added ability to view/edit rotation from scheduler screen
  10. Lots of new functions for Venue mode of web request system
  11. Various Improvements in nextAi host segments scripts
  12. Updated RadioDj import to accomodate unCategorized Tracks
  13. GUI Refresh left/right playback section
  14. Updated StudioLink transport sessions to not need to write to disk, all done in memory
  15. first release of sync option with MusicOne Scheduler

Fixed:

  1. when updating master library on app start, it will now let user know what is happening
  2. Request insert triggers a playlist re-save
  3. Fixed rotators when called from traffic schedulers
  4. Fixed WideOrbit tag reader for Year
  5. nextAi Announcements now save to Meta Tags (for use with cart based nextAi)
  6. When duplicate file found removed diaglog and just allowed action to rename as duplicate
  7. Fixed StudioLink upload process to always override send title and artist even if asset is originally tagged
  8. Fixed preload next hour as it broke master force setting if last song was short a few seconds
  9. Fixed Studiolink to clear players Wave render before each new track ( used to show previous render before new one loaded)
  10. Updated some dialog layering

NextKast OnAir Joins Forces with Optimized Media Group to Deliver Turnkey Automation, Installation, and Configuration for Radio Broadcasters

San Antonio, TX – May, 5, 2026 — NextKast OnAir, the all-in-one radio automation and music scheduling platform, today announced a strategic alliance with Optimized Media Group (OMG), a leading broadcast consulting and engineering firm, to provide end-to-end installation, configuration, and deployment services for radio stations worldwide.

NextKast OnAir is built as a unified platform, combining automation, music scheduling, voice tracking, streaming, AI, remote management and broadcasting, and traffic integration without the need for multiple third-party systems. In addition, its -StudioLink Web Interface allows remote access to the automation system from any Web browser device.

Optimized Media Group brings extensive experience in broadcast system design, integration, and operational workflows. The collaboration creates a seamless, turnkey solution for broadcasters transitioning to modern automation.

“Upgrading to a modern automation system in today’s radio market is one of the keys to long term success,” explained Winston Potgieter, Founder of NextKast OnAir. “This collaboration creates a full-service solution that mid- to-large radio groups require. Pairing NextKast architecture with Optimized Media Group’s expert deployment services, stations benefit from both a superior automation suite and expert infrastructure setup and training.”

With Optimized Media Group, stations can deploy NextKast quickly and confidently with:

· Full system installation and configuration

· Remote setup for rapid deployment

· On-site installation for studios and transmitter facilities

· Customized workflow optimization

· Migration support from legacy systems

· Comprehensive staff training

“This is a natural collaboration for our company,” stated Alex Hartman, Vice President, Optimized Media Group. “This collaboration ensures broadcasters get both a powerful

automation platform and the engineering expertise to implement it effectively, efficiently, and correctly.”

The alliance supports multiple deployment models, allowing broadcasters of all sizes, from independent operators to major market groups, to modernize with confidence:

· Remote Installation: Fast, cost-effective setup via secure connection

· In-Studio Deployment: Hands-on installation for more complex environments

· Hybrid Rollouts: Coordinated, multi-location implementations

About NextKast OnAir

NextKast OnAir is a professional radio automation platform built for both internet and terrestrial broadcasters. Designed as an all-in-one system, it integrates playout, music scheduling, voice tracking, streaming encoders, and traffic tools into a single, streamlined application — reducing complexity while maximizing control and reliability.

Learn more at: https://www.nextkast.com https://www.nextkast.com/onAir/

About Optimized Media Group

Optimized Media Group specializes in broadcast engineering, system integration, and operational consulting for radio stations and media organizations. Their services focus on maximizing efficiency, reliability, and performance across modern broadcast workflows.

Learn more at: https://www.optimizedmediagroup.com

Version 7.0.8 (4/11/2026)

New:


  1. Updated Studio Link when playlist is loaded Library window now opens to the right pane, and drag and drop is enabled
  2. GoLIve now shows backtiming and hour dif as in main automation user interface
  3. Added Support For TrafficOne Traffic Merging
  4. Added LUFS normalization option if using external processing
  5. Implemented new Pay for request / shoutout service allows ai shoutaouts and song request that can be monitized
  6. nextSync affiliate will now automatically merge/re-merge newly arrived hours
  7. Added ability for affiliate stations to block certain hour/s from syncing for local programing
  8. Sample FX buttons are now saved and recalled by user, so many users can log in from same pc/tablet and each get their own sample buttons

  1. added checkboxes for selecting minimax or elevenLabs for ai voices in nextAi, also added usage and api buttons in nextAI for easier reference
  2. added the repick at end of hour to add the repick to current playlist and save its state for future reference
  3. added repick category selection in settings for which category to fill short hours from
  4. added new blockLoadNextHour, which will block next hour from loading until commercials set is done playing from a mergeExternalTraffic marker
  5. added new blockLoadNextHour, which will block next hour from loading until voicetrack is done playing
  6. added redo and undo buttons in studioLink
  7. made timeSync and timeSyncForce never go backwards in time
  8. added static paths to ai Macros
  9. repick will only occur at end if time is short
  10. added pages to Command Center Sample Buttons
  11. next hour Playlist will now load as soon as last song in current hour has started
  12. Added dark mode scroll bars in listviews
  13. Ability to add custom network card to use for StudioLink
  14. Improved handling of bots pinging studioLink or command center servers
  15. Added logging and email notification if nextAi voice service experiences and error or fault
  16. Added ‘Run Now’ Command in FTP downloader, time delay recorder, and folderwatcher
  17. Added option to use ‘*’ for downloading all files in an ftp folder
  18. Added automatic file extension checks for all playable audio file types when importing from CSV data from other systems
  19. When nextAi is set to service radius of 0 in store music mode is assumes for ai Announcements

Fixed:

  1. Delayed master search library re-loads when changes in shared network occur quickly
  2. Affiliate stations will ignore static network paths as they do not use them
  3. Affiliate stations will ignore startorStop render command as this is only needed from master station
  4. Affiliate stations will double check if category needs to be synced when new files are generated via rendering at master
  5. Fixed masterLibrary and StudioLink search that would sometimes not show the ” – ” between artist and title in search results
  6. Vteditor in nkmanager will now start tracks in editor at start marker, was previously ignored.
  7. Added a check to make sure the outgoing track in studioLink vt cannot start playing if spacebar is pressed before its loaded
  8. Quicker ai voice generation on incoming web requests
  9. Fixed edge cases in command center api
  10. Played report had missing Listener count in last column Fixed
  11. Rotators specified in external schedulers now function same as internally scheduled rotators
  12. Duplicates will not longer show dialog, will automatically rename them to show list
  13. Ftp Downloads improved detection of code style date sepcifiers in filenames
  14. removed FindMP3inwebsite feature as it was to abstract, most have stream url they need.

NextKast Launches “StudioLink”Web-Based Interface Enhances All-In-One Integrated Platform for Radio Station Workflow

San Antonio, TX, January 14, 2026 — NextKast today announced StudioLink, a modern web-based interface designed to give radio stations the freedom to operate confidently, easily, and efficiently — whether in the studio, remotely, or with teams working from multiple locations at the same time.
StudioLink is a role-aware web interface designed for the day-to-day operation of a modern radio station. Built on NextKast’s trusted MobileVT voice tracking platform, StudioLink is a fully integrated all-in-one system that supports the entire station workflow process delivering multi-track voice tracking, advanced remote broadcast technology via NextKast’s GoLive, and easy-to-use music library management.

GoLive makes live broadcasts sound natural — whether the show is happening in the studio, remotely, or with multiple contributors joining in at once. With GoLive configured as the in-studio on-air screen, talent has a clean, focused interface they can use in the studio or anywhere else to voice track, review playlists and logs, and make quick edits —without touching server-level settings. Program Directors can review logs, adjust track categories, and make real-time programming decisions with confidence.
“StudioLink is the culmination of years of development and collaboration with our radio station clients towards the creation of an all-in-one, stress-free system. StudioLink solidifies this goal into a reality,” said Winston Potgieter, Founder and Project Manager of NextKast.

Chuck Taylor, Program Director for KHYI, Dallas, said, “Studio Link is the natural evolution of (NextKasts MobileVT remote VT interface). It allows us to control nearly every aspect of the station remotely—live shows, voice tracking, audio management, programming changes, and traffic—without relying on multiple systems or workarounds. It reinforces why NextKast continues to feel like a true all-in-one platform built for the realities of modern radio.”

StudioLink’s user interface is intentionally focused on real-world broadcasting tasks in a clear, predictable way, while keeping unnecessary complexity out of the way. The result is faster operation, fewer mistakes, and a more productive on-air experience.

For advanced or specialty use cases, StudioLink also supports producing voice breaks in a separate application and dragging them directly into the system. This flexibility is there when needed — without complicating the everyday voice-tracking experience.

Within weeks, NextKast is announcing its customer management system that integrates with StudioLink.
To view a demonstration video of StudioLink, please click https://youtu.be/7PGfvkQJHH8.
For more information, visit www.nextkast.com/onAir or contact Winston Potgieter at 210-286-2975 or wp@nextkast.com.

About NextKast
NextKast develops advanced automation software for radio and streaming stations worldwide. Its flagship platform, NextKast OnAir, integrates music scheduling, playout, traffic, and billing into one streamlined solution — empowering broadcasters to operate more efficiently and profitably.

Version 7.0.6 (1/13/2026)

New:

  1. New StudioLink Web Interface replaces MobileVT
  2. Updated goLive mutestate to show on all connected clients
  3. Drastically Improved in-studio voicetracking user interface
  4. added email notifications when nextAi credits or errors occurs
  5. Shortened nextAi WebRequest time to air
  6. Show Affiliate station connection status on right click of nextSync Button in nkManager
  7. Added time date variables for segment rendering to adhere to playlist time/day being rendered
  8. Updated nextSync mechanism to drastically reduce disk write operations
  9. Allowed aiRequest only or Song request only in web command center
  10. Improved paid Invoice and re-gen Invoice in nextSync, creates Paid and Void subfolders for Customers
  11. Allowed $0 traffic ads be paid, cleared
  12. New nextTraffic User Manual https://www.nextkast.com/HELP/NextTraffic%20User%20Manual.pdf
  13. Improved nextTraffic Invoice Print Format and reprinting
  14. Added quicker price and play profile editing in nextTraffic
  15. Added Discount field in pricing profile for nextTraffic

Fixed:

  1. moved played db caching to memory reducing disk writes
  2. removed video out screen on nkManager when video output is enabled
  3. Improved simian bsi full system import
  4. Proper sorting on Traffic Played in nextTraffic
  5. Fixed ‘s issue in nextTraffic
  6. bug in studioLink where if you click row on artist name first two tracks load in voicetracker
  7. Fixed bug the would rarely cause voicetracker to reset when affiliate mode is enabled and you are tracking and syncing simultaneously
  8. Fixed checkforWebRequest when server fails to respond (added timeout)

NextKast Launches NextSync – Revolutionary Synchronization Engine for Groups with Customizable Localization for Each Market

60-Day Free, No-Obligation Onboarding Window

San Antonio, TX – November 3, 2025 – NextKast has announced its next major innovation with the release of NextSync, an intelligent, playlist-aware synchronization engine that streamlines how radio groups share content across multiple markets while allowing customized local programming.


NextSync’s synchronization engine introduces a new generation of multi-market automation — driven by intelligence, not replication. Stations within a group share a unified music library, choosing their own songs, imaging, commercials, and local programming blocks — all within the same integrated automation environment. The proprietary engine is patent-pending under the U.S. provisional filing “Playlist-Aware, Expiry-Validated, Pull-Based Media Synchronization for Broadcast Automation Systems.”


“Traditional systems push content everywhere, whether it’s needed or not,” explained Winston Potgieter, Founder and Project Manager of NextKast. “NextSync reverses that logic. Each station automatically pulls only what it needs based on real playlists and category rules. That makes the entire network leaner, smarter, and dramatically more efficient.”


Troy Welch, Owner and Program Director of PlayFM Radio, shared his experience:
“NextSync completely replaced our dependence on cloud-sync tools like Dropbox. We can now manage all of our stations from one core library, and every site stays perfectly in sync without manual uploads. It’s fast, dependable, and just works.”


NextSync gives broadcasters complete control over what is synchronized — and to whom. Each station can have individualized settings that determine:
Content categories (e.g., Music, Imaging, Promos) are synchronized.
Whether playlists are shared directly from the master or generated locally.
Rotations and clocks, which are synchronized for consistent format structure.
“The playlist drives the sync, not the operator,” Potgieter added. “Stations can follow a master format, create their own local hours, or mix both — all without external schedulers or file juggling.”
NextSync also manages voice-tracked show distribution with the same precision.
When a talent sends a completed voicetracked hour or show to the master system, it can be automatically distributed to any station configured to receive that hour.
Commercial and traffic files are continuously verified for expiration, and the system automatically requests the updated version.
NextKast is currently offering a 60-day no-obligation onboarding window for qualified groups interested in evaluating NextSync. This limited opportunity allows broadcasters to experience hands-on synchronization and automation benefits before committing to a full rollout.
For more information on NextSync or to request a private preview, visit https://www.nextkast.com/onAir/features/#nextsync or contact Winston Potgieter at 210-286-2975 or wp@nextkast.com.

About NextKast OnAir
NextKast OnAir develops professional radio automation software engineered for simplicity, reliability, and innovation. Its all-inclusive suite integrates automation, scheduling, traffic, AI, and synchronization into one easy-to-use platform that helps broadcasters save time, reduce costs, and focus on great programming.
For more information, visit https://www.nextkast.com/onAir.

 
Media Contact:
Renee Cassis
RC Communications
646-808-6505
Cassis2@msn.com

Version 7.0.5 (11/02/2025)

New:

  1. Import for Enco DAD systems and BSI simian audio.db
  2. New track start and end Date Logic , and now stored in asset Meta Data
  3. Added Format change option and timeleft in Web Command Center
  4. Added ability to play video on second screen when playing out .mp4 files
  5. Status window when resseting nextKast Traffic for Re-Scheduling Day
  6. Added traffic checkbox to MobileVT for Remote Nextkast Traffic Customer Management and order Entry
  7. Added Expired traffic asset Auto Request System when running as Affiliate
  8. Filled Provisional Patent for nextSync to include pull based and expiry aware content distribution
  9. Optimized nextSync and added status window to show connected nextsync nodes
  10. Added sound card routing option for LineIn
  11. Added option in track status to show spins scheduled this week if scheduled ahead

Fixed:

  1. Fixed Stream player to route to proper soundcard in multi sound card setups
  2. Drastically improved flex scheduling option in nextKast Built in Traffic nextTraffic
  3. Other minor window layering refinements
  4. App.log display on windows 11 fixed delay when opening
  5. Quotes in fields with commas on other automation data importer fixed if string has comma in it

Version 7.0.4 (8/9/2025-9/07/2025)


Version 7.0.4

New

  1. Added backtiming and next event display on Live Assist Screen
  2. Updated XML engine to Latest Version as security update
  3. Added ability to read Traffic Logs Exported from Natural Log to Wide Orbit
  4. Removed double click option to download track in MobileVT ( hold shift and double click now)
  5. Refreshed MobileVT and goLive User interface
  6. Un played tracks in Playlist mode gets placed back at top of picker stack
  7. Made meta Data importer column format dynamic based on name only not order
  8. When confirm traffic Date is checked nextkast will skip outdated traffic merges and they are marked in addition to the desktop NextKastTrafficDateViolation.txt file
  9. Added PlayList Macro option to triggers window for playing station imaging etc from satellite trigger
  10. added warning when traffic file is named with wrong prefix when station prefix is specified
  11. Allowed csv library import to have Dynamic headers, they don’t need to be in order, headers just need to match
  12. CSV export adheres to import header names
  13. added automatic port assignment in mobilevt golive
  14. added automatic housekeeping at 2am for old playlist and voicetracks moving it from home button
  15. Refresh Library now does a Category audit to confirm pick database is synced
  16. Updated to new Voice Engine for nextAi (works with your choice of ai voice provider )
  17. Added nextKast Command center for when used as venue music control system
  18. Added Dynamic Track Balancing (setting Screen) that attempts to balance track plays based on category scheduled count Stats
  19. Added the ability to drag and drop from search window to Live Playlist. (double click to start drag)
  20. Formatted PDF log Print to italicize and color imaging etc..
  21. Updated NextKast Traffic System, Improved date range filter to include enter end date, better reset for Day regeneration
  22. New NextKast Traffic Schedule View to better see what is booked in each hour

Fixed

  1. Fixed issue with Track timestamp update that would occur sporadically on Windows11 installs
  2. Updated playlist macro execution to increase reliability on pure playlist macro only clocks with consecutive 0 duration events
  3. Fixed sizing of mic volume sliders and other a couple of other controls on main window resize
  4. Sped up delete associated Voicetrack delete housekeeping function
  5. Fixed rendering of tempo % to show when active
  6. Fixed hidden dialogs that could occur when selecting edit button in track editor
  7. Fixed MobileVT file up loader would duplicate library entries because of file watcher
  8. Updated golive playlist transport made more robust
  9. Fixed scenario where crossfade time is greater that track before unmarked play as VT file
  10. Changed file date stamp to better accommodate NAS driver setups
  11. Cleaned up some unneeded logging
  12. Some Unicode string track names would not return proper play counts (fixed)
  13. Fixed Dialog Flickering on Playlist create
  14. Improved Syncing of nkManager and OnAir Machine in some edge cases

8/20/2025 Version 7.0.42

New:

  1. Refreshed some older buttons
  2. Made built in encoder re-connection smoother

Fixed:

  1. Replace back in stack will not do last track if it has not played (fixed)
  2. More rigid rules so traffic files can not get overwritten
  3. Improved traffic interface
  4. Issue search or statistic window crashing fixed
  5. Made some button renderings more efficient

9/07/2025 Version 7.0.44

New:

  1. Web based Command Center, instant breaks: drop an exact script and we’ll voice it with AI, or pick AI-curated break copy and go live in minutes. Live reads: stations can sell a live read, a staffer pastes the copy, and it’s on air within minutes.Song requests: type it in, fire it off.Basics in one place: now playing, next up, quick transport, samples, etc.
  2. Added a new flex option to the traffic scheduling part, nextTraffic now offering a full fledge traffic/billing/CMS system
  3. also there was a minor screen refresh issue during playlist generation
  4. updated the time calculation and backtiming to be more accurate during inserts and deletes and when pitch changes
  5. Added ability to switch AXIA triggers to recieve GPO
  6. new AI command options AIAnnounce, and AIScript
  7. Improved dialog windows to stay on top
  8. Added delete button in Trigger Assign windows (in addition to existing delete key)
  9. Added auto create VoiceTracks folder when using ai Host

Version 7.0.2 (5/31/25)

New

  1. Finalized nextSync Feature for built in Server/Client setups no third party file sharing systems required
  2. Added ability to have separate window for sample/fx buttons ( found in adv settings)
  3. added shortcut button in live assist screen for quick access to log editor
  4. Added new music bed option ( uses sweeper checkbox) Will add music bed to dry voicetracks automatically
  5. added alternate meta tag send when using playTrackFromcategory
  6. added ability to send hex using sendSerial macro command
  7. Export csv now has added meta data fields
  8. Added ability to import clock from Music Master, speeds up migration to nextKast built in Scheduler
  9. Ftp Downloader now accepts date variables in remote file name
  10. Added option to block tracks from playing same time previous hour or previous day same time (Settings/iPass)
  11. New icon Style Help Menu
  12. Added option to right click on track in tracklist and assign next available cart number or rename source file
  13. added .wav file tagging to have .wav files portable to include meta data

Fixed

  1. fixed SHD options on category settings
  2. Fixed case where traffic scheduler would not schedule correctly if ony two ads are in traffic folder
  3. Added delay in stats call when connected to Live365 ( as they only allow 1 stats call per minute)
  4. fixed some scenarios where even if send meta was disabled meta data would be sent
  5. Improved some edge case rotator uses
  6. some edge cases where backend added files would not show up in search
  7. Jump to category in search made more robust
  8. Improved import from other automations systems
  9. Improved accuracy of background recorder start time
  10. Fixed super edge case when request loads simultaneous to new hour load
  11. Fixed PO1 redundant tag checker after initial import
  12. Fixed Played Search to work properly with quotes in search string and separated artist and title
  13. Improved 5 day test in category Health Screen
  14. Improved average category calculation when using iPass to improve clock composition

Version 7.0.0 (3/5/25)

This version number jump reflects the significant advancements in functionality, as previous version increments didn’t fully capture the scale of enhancements—particularly the introduction of NextAI Virtual Host and extensive visual refinements.

New

  1. Overhauled the user interface for improved visual appeal and better workflow
  2. Imporved nextSync integration with first BETA test runs
  3. Imporved nextAi
  4. Shows Last Modified date of track selected in track list add music screen
  5. added Don’t send meta on category settings
  6. Other noticeable and non-evident refinements

Fixed

  1. when stagnant in track list screen, category would erroneously move to first, fixed
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