ContentDepot FAQ for Producers

Questions about Creating Station-friendly Programs

How can I make my programs station-friendly in the ContentDepot?

• Keep your air windows and number of segments consistent: For file-based programs, make sure you adhere to consistent formats and air windows. For example, if you set the air window for your weekly show to begin on Mondays, keep the begin air date on Monday for every week. Additionally, always keep the number of segments consistent from episode to episode.

  Stations will automate your episodes based on the number of segments and their associated cut identification numbers. In version 1 of the ContentDepot, those cut identification numbers are assigned based on the day of the week your air window begins. Once you have established the scheduled air window for your program and the number of segments, you must be consistent in adhering to that schedule. Changing the day of the week on which an episode becomes available will change the cut identification numbers-resulting in significant issues for stations. Changing the number of segments you produce without notifying stations to make a manual adjustment in their playout templates is catastrophic for stations.

  Because of the importance of air window, segment number, and cut identification consistency, if you are considering a change to your normal begin air window schedule or program segmentation, you must contact PRSS at 800.971.7677 to make this change. Your PRSS representative will review this change with you and make sure that stations receive proper notification to process the change. Please allow at least a week for stations to prepare for these adjustments.

• Upload episode files by the upload deadlines: The upload deadline for your program depends on how often the program is distributed:

  • For a daily program or one-time special: 4 hours before the air window opens
  • For a weekly program: 11 hours before the air window opens
  • For a monthly program: 14 hours before the air window opens.

• Name your episodes appropriately: The way you name your file-based episodes is critical to a station's ability to properly identify and automate your programs. The following standard for naming your episodes will make them easy for stations to identify in their playout systems.

  First 8 characters: A compressed-but-identifiable summary of the program (series) title.

  Next 6 characters (after a space): The begin air date in PRSS style (yymmdd).

  For example, RadioRea 071218 would be an appropriate episode title for the Radio Reader episode with an air window opening on December 18, 2007.

• Name your live programs appropriately: For live programs, include the transmission time in your program title. This helps stations know when to expect the transmission when they subscribe (e.g., Weekend America 1300-1400).

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