Fallback program

The Fallback program ensures a seamless listening experience and prevents dead air by filling gaps in the radio schedule through automatic scheduling of media sources.

Media sources for the fallback program, are defined using the Music Grid scheduling interface.

The fallback program is also activated when extended periods of silence or excessive noise (beyond a certain threshold) are detected by the silence detector during an episode playout.

The fallback program can be used to:

• Play random music from the fallback music pool.

• Broadcast a set of evergreen episodes.

• Announcements when the station is off-air.

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

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.

Fallback program calendar

The Fallback program calendar, also known as music grid, is an interface to manage the fallback program schedule.

It provides a calendar interface to define fallback media sources for any day and time of the week.

After clicking an empty calendar timeslot, a dialog opens where you can add a new fallback timeslot.

After confirmation you can add either a Music Pool or an M3U media source to the slot.

Pro-active fallback timeslot overrides

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

To perform such override, simply click on an empty slot and select the configured fallback show to set up the desired 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.

No default media source for fallback show

The fallback show does not provide default show media source settings. Instead, audio is sourced from the fallback program calendar.