Fallback program

The fallback program automatically fills gaps in the radio schedule with automatically scheduled audio, ensuring a seamless listening experience and preventing dead air.

It is also activated when extended periods of silence or excessive noise (beyond a certain threshold) are detected during an episode.

It can be used to:

• Play random music from the fallback music pool.

• Broadcast a set of evergreen episodes.

• Air announcements when the station is off-air.

In the calendar view, the fallback program is represented by a white-yellow striped background.

Calendar week view with fallback program timeslots.

Calendar day view with fallback program timeslots.

Configuring the fallback program

If the fallback program is not configured, the calendar displays a warning.

The fallback program is based on a dedicated fallback show, which is configured in the Radio Station Settings. In the show list, the fallback show is marked with a Fallback Program badge.

Fallback program vs. Default media source

The fallback program feature should not be confused with the default media source feature. While the fallback program is designed to fill empty slots in the schedule, the default media source provides hosts with scheduling convenience by setting up predefined media sources.

For more details, refer to [Media Management > Alternative Media Sources](../media/alt-media sources.md).

Dynamic timeslot behaviour

As mentioned, the fallback program automatically fills gaps between scheduled episodes, ensuring continuous playback.

When a new episode is scheduled in a fallback slot, the fallback program dynamically adjusts, reducing its duration.

Conversely, if a scheduled episode is deleted, the fallback slot automatically expands to fill the gap.

Media source

The fallback show does not provide default show media source settings. Instead, audio is sourced from the pre-configured fallback setup in your playout configuration.

This setup is defined by administrators during the initial installation of AURA. Currently, there is no user interface available for modifying its contents.

Future music library integration

Music library management is on our roadmap and scheduled for AURA 1.1. Until then, you will need to manage music pools using your existing third-party services.

If you require assistance with integration, please feel free to contact us.

Pro-active fallback timeslot overrides

Since the fallback show is based on a regular show, it can also be used to create active schedules.

To do this, simply click on an empty slot and select the configured fallback show to set up the schedule.

This schedule overrides any dynamic fallback slot and functions like any other scheduled program.

As a result, media sources can be assigned at the schedule and episode levels. However, show default media sources are not available to prevent conflicts with the fallback behavior.