Radio automation software is key to running a successful efficient professional radio station. While the SHOUTcast professional radio streaming provided by ProRadioStreaming comes with AutoDJ which is an online radio automation system there are several different options for desktop radio automation software. Some free radio automation software and some commercial. The best thing is to try the software for a few days to see how it works with your station. However below is a guide on some of the best that we have experience with.

If you are planning on running a dance music radio station then be very careful about your choice of radio automation software. As a dance music station it is likely that you will be using dj mixes that can be 2 or more hours long. Most automation sofwatre is aimed at scheduling short tracks. So our advice for you is to ensure that the software can nicely interrupt over running (shows that have been supplied that are too long) shows.

Rivendell – free and linux based

If you are looking for free radio automation software then we would reccomend you check out Rivendell which is a linux based system but comes with many advanced features with a professional feel. It allows easy routing of audio to the sound card. It has a cart functionality and very clear stack view of queued tracks, idents and adverts.

 

This solution can encode and stream directly to the ProRadioStreaming servers allowing you to easily broadcast a professional station to a huge audience.

 

SAM Broadcaster – PC $279

This sofwtare is highly configurable and allows you to run your station efficiently even by automating the download from FTP of content. The system uses a script system called PAL script which means you can write your own logic to manage the automation. This software is widely used, integartes with StreamAds (an advert insertion system), features professional dynamic processing such as multi band comporession. This complete with the professional radio hosting solution will have your station running like a dream. This is very fully featured and works extremely well. The only downside is that when running live in a studio it would be good to have ASIO compatability allowing you to monitor your mic output and program live without a delay.

 

 

 

Mixtime – PC based and free

If you are looking for a free PC based radio automation software then this one is worth a look. It provides a cart based system and the tools you need to get going.