Station Automation With Pal Scripts

By Author: Jonathan C. Clarkson
Total Articles: 7
Comment this article

Although SAM Broadcaster Pro includes many great scheduling and automation features, DJs often need more. This is where PAL Scripting comes in. Over the years, PAL has grown to include hundreds of commands that can be combined to create scripts which are only limited by your imagination. Station owners often use PAL Scripts to automate otherwise manual tasks related to operating a radio station.
Almost every option within SAM Broadcaster Pro can be manipulated by a PAL script command. This means that you can use PAL scripts to manage your station's output and so much more.
Many customers find PAL scripting a little daunting at the beginning, but we have provided a number of tutorials designed to help you get started. We also provide some basic example scripts that you can use 'as-is' or edit based on your needs. Unfortunately, we are unable to support PAL Scripts, but all of the documents and scripts mentioned can be found here.

The following are two of the many scripts ...
... which available:
1. PAL Script to Play an Ad After a Specified Number of Tracks
Are you looking to automate the playing of an ad or jingle after a specified number of tracks? This script will do exactly that - play a track from a specified category or playlist after a specified number of music tracks. In addition, this PAL script will also adjust the volume of your stream, so your ads are heard clearly.
2. PAL Script - Database Query
We said PAL scripts can be used for so much more than just automating your output. This particular script is designed to enable DJs to query the database and output the results to text files. This is especially useful to DJs looking to export a list of their content based on a variety of criteria within their SAM Broadcaster Pro music library. This script can also be useful for understanding what's included and excluded from the station library, which can be used to help you decide what you can and cannot play. Please note that this script should only be run when SAM Broadcaster is not streaming, as it directly queries the database and may interrupt the stream in the process.

Mistakes to Avoid On-Air: A Guide For Radio DJs
When broadcasting live, DJs must be prepared for anything, as there are no opportunities for edits or resets. So how does one prepare for a smooth, live broadcast? Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare.
Unscripted Live Broadcasts. Having a script prepared enables you to have more control over the show. A script provides structure and guidance to your live broadcast and ensures that you don't unintentionally stray from the intended focus of the show. If you do not wish to script your show then you could reduce this to a list of topics. This would help remind you of your planned output for each show. Keeping records of these lists or your scripts will help ensure you do not repeat topics in different shows.
Speaking Inaudibly. Your tone and overall voice projection can have a meaningful impact on your listeners' engagement. Be sure to warm up your voice before going live and speak clearly throughout your live show in order to provide your listeners with the best possible experience. Some DJs have "radio voices" but maintaining a voice characteristic over a lengthy show can become quite tiring so perhaps just using your natural voice is the better option.
Dead Air. Long periods of silence on-air is something that you should avoid at all costs, as it can result in listeners switching to other shows. To mitigate this, you can use a reliable fall-back solution for your live streaming station, such as SAM Broadcaster Cloud.
Forgetting to Switch The Mic On/Off. One of the most embarrassing mistakes a broadcaster can make when on-air is accidentally leaving your microphone on when you think you are taking a break, such as during a song or infomercial. In addition to implicating your personal and professional image, leaving your microphone on will interrupt with your live broadcast. To avoid this mistake, we suggest that you keep your microphone switched off at all times when you are not actively speaking. Whilst it might not have the capacity to be as embarrassing, not switching the mic on and beginning your vocals can disrupt a DJ's thoughts and throw you out of balance. Always check the mic status.

Continue reading for a comprehensive guide on what to avoid whilst on-air.
We hope that you found these tips useful. If you're interested in starting your own radio station, sign up for our FREE trial today!