Traffic Merging

Section 6: External Traffic Merging

The External Traffic Management section provides guidance on integrating and managing commercial and advertisement logs from external systems within NextKast OnAir. This functionality is essential for stations working with external advertisers or traffic systems to ensure accurate ad placement and timing.

1. Overview of External Traffic Management

External traffic management in NextKast OnAir involves importing and merging commercial logs from third-party systems (such as Marketron and Natural Log) to create a seamless schedule that meets advertiser requirements and maximizes revenue opportunities.

• Supported Formats: NextKast supports importing traffic logs from various external systems, including:
  • Marketron: Marketron produces both RadioTraffic and Visual Traffic systems. NextKast automatically detects the type of traffic log (RadioTraffic or Visual Traffic) and integrates it without manual configuration. Reconciliation folders are automatically created based on the detected traffic type.
  • Natural Log: Supports traffic log management using formats like “REDUGA” or “NextKast.” For station groups, a station prefix can be appended by prepending the date filename with a two-digit station ID and entering that ID in Settings > ADV under traffic merging.
  • WideOrbit: Import and merge logs from the WideOrbit traffic management system.
  • Others: Additional support for custom formats like CSV, XML, and proprietary formats.

NextKast automatically recognizes these formats and integrates the imported data into the station’s playlist and scheduling system without needing to manually enable traffic log merging.

2. Importing Traffic Logs from External Systems

Merging Traffic from Natural Log

• Integration with Natural Log:
  1. Export Logs from Natural Log: Export traffic logs from Natural Log to a directory named \Logs\ in the C:\NextKast directory. Use the “REDUGA” output format in older versions or the “NextKast” format in newer versions. For station groups, prepend the date filename with a two-digit station ID and enter the ID in Settings > ADV under traffic merging.
  2. Commercials Directory: Create a folder named \Commercials\ in the NextKast directory to store traffic audio assets. Alternatively, commercials can be loaded into a standard NextKast category named ‘Commercials.’
  3. Automatic Integration: NextKast automatically merges the Natural Log traffic logs with the generated playlist, placing commercials at the designated times.
  4. Using Playlist Macro for Precise Placement: Utilize the Playlist Macro Option to more accurately place commercials in the specified positions within an hour.
  5. Scheduling Commercial Blocks: In Natural Log, use a marker named #commercial break# at the start of each commercial break. In your NextKast rotation, use the mergeExternalTrafficLog macro at each position where a commercial set should play. NextKast will merge all commercials for that block.
  6. Manual Merging: Traffic can also be merged manually by right-clicking on the date folder in the playlist and selecting Merge Traffic.

Merging Traffic from Marketron

• Integration with Marketron Traffic Software:
  1. Configure RadioTraffic for NextKast: Set up RadioTraffic or Visual Traffic to use RCS NextGen as the automation system. In the administration module, open ‘Stations’ and select the desired station. Under the ‘Files’ tab, set the ‘Product’ to RCS NextGen, supporting a cart number length of 6. The Automation Log Path should be C:\nextKast\Logs\.
  2. Commercials Directory: Create a folder named \Commercials\ in the NextKast directory to store traffic audio assets. Commercials can also be loaded into a standard NextKast category named ‘Commercials.’
  3. Automatic Integration: NextKast will merge the Marketron traffic logs (whether from RadioTraffic or Visual Traffic) with the generated playlist, placing commercials at the designated times.
  4. Using Playlist Macro for Precise Placement: Use the Playlist Macro Option to place commercials at the specified positions within an hour accurately.
  5. Scheduling Commercial Blocks: Set the block option in RadioTraffic to true. In your NextKast rotation, use the mergeExternalTrafficLog macro where the commercial set needs to play. NextKast will merge all commercials for that block.
  6. Manual Merging: Traffic can also be merged after playlist import or generation by right-clicking on the date folder in the playlist and selecting Merge Traffic.

3. Using the mergeExternalTraffic Macro Command for Traffic Merging

NextKast OnAir allows for precise placement of external traffic logs (commercials and advertisements) by using the mergeExternalTraffic macro command within your rotations. This approach ensures that commercials are integrated seamlessly into the playlist according to the schedule requirements.

• Placement of the Macro Command:
  The mergeExternalTraffic macro command is placed directly within the specified rotation. You can add this macro at any point where you want an external traffic log (such as those from Marketron or Natural Log) to be merged into the playlist.
• Control Over Placement:
  The position of the mergeExternalTraffic macro in the rotation determines precisely where in the hour the external traffic logs will be merged. This control allows for flexibility in programming and adhering to advertiser agreements.
• Dynamic Adjustment with Time Stretch/Shrink Option:
  When a duration is set for the mergeExternalTraffic macro, NextKast can dynamically adjust the timing of the playlist by stretching or shrinking the tempo within a tolerance of ±8%. This feature helps maintain synchronization with commercial breaks and ensures a smooth broadcast flow. Check the Time Stretch / Shrink option in the mergeExternalTraffic position to enable.
• Manual Adjustments:
  You can manually merge traffic logs after importing or generating a playlist by right-clicking on the date folder in the playlist and selecting Merge Traffic. This feature is helpful for last-minute adjustments or ensuring precise ad placements.
• No Need for Traffic Merge Templates:
  Traffic merge templates are not required in NextKast OnAir. Instead, all merge positions are directly dictated by where the mergeExternalTraffic macro is placed within your rotations.

4. Utilizing Traffic Merge Asset Expiration Reports

• Asset Expiration Reports:
  This feature allows you to manage and track the expiration of advertising assets. It ensures that no expired ads are played and helps maintain compliance with contractual obligations.
• How to Generate Reports:
  • Go to the Traffic Management tab and select Generate Expiration Report.
  • Choose the desired date range and filter by asset type or advertiser.
  • Review the report to identify and remove any expired content from your schedule.

5. Auto-Grouping Ads into Blocks

• Auto-Grouping Ads:
  NextKast can automatically group ads into blocks based on predefined rules. This feature is useful for organizing ads by category (e.g., local businesses, national sponsors) or by time slots (e.g., morning drive, evening news).
• Enabling Auto-Grouping:
  • Go to Settings > Traffic and enable the Auto-Group Ads option.
  • Define grouping criteria such as duration, advertiser, or category.
  • Save your settings to apply auto-grouping to all future traffic imports.

6. Restricting Block Times and Handling Reconciliation Files

• Restricting Block Times:
  You can restrict certain ad blocks to specific times of day, ensuring compliance with advertiser agreements or station policies.
• How to Set Restrictions:
  • Access the Traffic Management tab and select Block Time Restrictions.
  • Define the allowed and restricted time slots for each ad block.
• Reconciliation Files:
  Manage reconciliation files to keep track of ad placements, detect any discrepancies, and provide proof of play to advertisers. Reconciliation folders are automatically created based on the detected traffic type.

This section provides comprehensive instructions for integrating external traffic logs, merging them seamlessly with your station’s schedule, and complying with advertiser requirements to maintain a smooth and profitable broadcast.