Internal Traffic System

Section 16: Internal Traffic System

Overview of the NextKast OnAir Built-In Traffic System

The NextKast OnAir software includes a powerful internal traffic management system, designed to simplify and automate the scheduling of advertisements and other traffic elements within your radio broadcasts. This system integrates directly into the NextKast platform, allowing for seamless handling of commercials and other content, reducing manual intervention, and optimizing your station’s operations.

Key Features

1. Built-In Traffic Scheduler:
   • The traffic system is directly integrated into NextKast OnAir, allowing for easy access and control within the software.
   • To enable the built-in traffic scheduler, navigate to Settings > Advanced, and select “Use NextKast Built-In Traffic Scheduler.”
2. Seamless Integration with Playlists:
   • To schedule traffic within your playlists, right-click in the desired spot, select “Insert Playlist Macro,” and choose the “Merge External Traffic” option.
   • You can specify the duration of the break and select the category containing your traffic items, such as ads or promos.
3. Flexible Traffic Item Management:
   • The traffic scheduler allows for the easy addition and management of commercials and other items in specific categories. You can add your commercials to the desired category and manage them through the NextKast interface.
   • The traffic edit window provides options for naming, prioritizing, and categorizing traffic items, including the ability to specify competitive codes to prevent conflicting ads from playing in the same block.
4. Customizable Scheduling Options:
   • Schedule commercials based on specific date ranges and times of day. For example, you can set an ad to play once or multiple times between designated hours and on certain days.
   • Track the status of each commercial, including the number of times booked, scheduled, and played. This tracking is helpful for reconciling with clients and ensuring accurate billing and payment records.
5. Reconciliation and Payment Tracking:
   • Keep track of all scheduled and played commercials. Apply payments, enter transaction numbers, and maintain a detailed history for easy reference and reconciliation.
   • The system stores all payment and scheduling data, providing transparency and accountability for your traffic management.

Setting Up and Using the Built-In Traffic System

1. Enabling the Traffic Scheduler:
   • Go to Settings > Advanced.
   • Check the “Use NextKast Built-In Traffic Scheduler” option to enable it.
2. Inserting Traffic Breaks in Playlists:
   • Right-click in your rotation or playlist where you want to insert a traffic break.
   • Select “Insert Playlist Macro” and choose “Merge External Traffic.”
   • Set the duration for the break and select the appropriate category (e.g., “Ad 60”).
3. Adding and Managing Traffic Items:
   • Add commercials and other traffic items to the selected category.
   • Double-click on any traffic item to open the traffic edit window and configure settings such as name, customer details, competitive codes, and scheduling.
4. Scheduling and Tracking:
   • Set the date range and times for each traffic item to control when and how often they play.
   • Use the traffic edit window to track the status of each item, including the number of times booked, scheduled, and played.
5. Reconciliation and Payment:
   • Once the commercials are played, view the played history and apply payments.
   • Enter check or transaction numbers for completed payments to maintain an accurate record.

Benefits of Using the Internal Traffic System

• Integrated Solution: No need for separate traffic management software; everything is handled within NextKast.
• Enhanced Control: Provides more flexibility and control over scheduling and managing ads.
• Simplified Workflow: Reduces the complexity of managing multiple traffic logs and software solutions.
• Accurate Tracking and Reconciliation: Facilitates easy payment tracking and client management.