[BC] technical difficulties with automation

[Barry Mishkind]

At 05:06 PM 11/11/2005, Rich Wood wrote
>It's very possible for an automation system to play two things at once.

         I hear this all the time. Sometimes it is when they
         forget to "turn off" the network, and the net
         plays a spot and one plays locally.

         Another frequent problem is when they set a local
         ("Live! Local! 24 hours a day!!!) news person
         to read news over the now mandatory rhythm
         bed. And they hire some kid who mumbles
         under their breath, as they prove they
         do not know how to read (what does this
         tell you about the PD?).  Obviously,
         you can't hear a thing.

         My favorite is when they transition to the
         "next" network and its show ... except
         someone forgot to either open the pot
         or move the satellite receiver.  Dead
         air ensues for 15 minutes, then a local
         spot set runs, leading to another 15 minutes.

         It ought to be a requirement that a station
         have someone monitoring... what a waste
         of the public airwaves.  And if I know the
         station cares so little, why should I care
         about them or their advertiser?