Separate Commercials on Stream vs OnAir

Section 20: Separate Commercials on Stream vs OnAir

NextKast allows you to play separate commercials on your online stream versus your traditional over-the-air (OnAir) broadcast using a single automation system. This feature enables you to comply with different regulations and maximize advertising revenue by targeting different audiences on each platform.

Understanding the Feature

With the latest NextKast OnAir version, you can separate your on-air commercials or traffic from your online commercials or traffic. This means, for example, that you can play a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on an LPFM station over the air while running a different commercial online to comply with various broadcasting rules.

How Separate Commercial Playback Works

1. Simultaneous Playback of Different Ads:
   • NextKast supports playing two separate audio streams simultaneously: one for OnAir broadcasting and another for the online stream.
   • For instance, while a PSA is playing on air (transmitted to the radio transmitter), a different commercial can play on the online stream, catering to different audience regulations and requirements.
2. Visual Representation:
   • When separate commercials are played, the OnAir ad is indicated at the bottom of the screen, and the online ad is shown at the top with a gray bar to distinguish the two streams visually.
   • This helps you monitor and ensure the correct ads are playing in the designated outputs.

Automatic Separation of Commercials

NextKast makes the process of separating commercials for OnAir and online playback simple and automatic:

• Using Filenames to Separate Online and OnAir Ads:
  • To set up different ads for OnAir and online playback, create two versions of each ad:
    • The OnAir ad should have its regular filename, such as AdSpot1.mp3.
    • The online-only ad should have the same base name with “_online” appended, such as AdSpot1_online.mp3.
  • When both versions are present, NextKast will automatically handle the separation:
    • The standard-named file (AdSpot1.mp3) will play on the OnAir output (transmitter).
    • The file with “_online” in the filename (AdSpot1_online.mp3) will play only to the encoder (online stream).
• No Manual Configuration Needed:
  • There is no need to manually assign commercials or adjust settings once the files are named correctly. As long as a version with “_online” is present, NextKast automatically detects and plays the correct ad to each output.

Benefits of Automatic Separation

• Simplifies Ad Management:
  • Automatically differentiating between OnAir and online ads saves time and reduces the risk of errors or overlaps.
• Maximized Revenue Opportunities:
  • By targeting specific audiences on different platforms, you can sell more ad space and tailor content to different listener demographics.
• Compliance and Flexibility:
  • Ensures that you stay compliant with licensing rules and regulations for both online streaming and terrestrial broadcasts.

Best Practices for Using Separate Commercials

• Regularly check that all ads have both OnAir and online versions where necessary to maintain seamless playback.
• Work with advertisers to create campaigns tailored for both platforms, maximizing engagement and effectiveness.
• Monitor ad performance and adjust as needed to optimize listener experience and advertising revenue.