How to optimize linear channel scheduling with automation and AI

On average, a channel programmer is responsible for managing more than five channels, which means that achieving scheduling efficiency is crucial if content owners want to maintain a competitive edge. 

Automation and AI have emerged as dependable technologies, enabling broadcasters and channel programmers to streamline operations, enhance creativity, shorten time to schedule, and reduce manual efforts. 

Find out how automation is the key to achieving scheduling efficiency, focusing on content and ad break automation and how AI assists in faster programming.

Automating content scheduling 

Streamlined operations: Automation handles the repetitive and time-consuming tasks of content scheduling, allowing programming teams to focus on strategic decision-making. This includes auto-scheduling of reruns, new episodes, and special events based on predefined rules and viewer preferences. Pattern-based scheduling is now a mandatory requirement for channel scheduling.

Reduced errors: Automated scheduling minimizes human errors such as schedule conflicts, content repetition, and timing mismatches. This ensures a seamless viewer experience and maintains the integrity of the broadcast schedule. As channels become global and programmed from a broad catalog, rights management becomes paramount.

Amagi PLANNER supports flexible and fixed programming. It augments programming creativity with support for pattern-based scheduling and creative ways of managing programs.

Read more: How Banijay Rights manages multi-channel programming at ease with Amagi PLANNER

Automating ad break management 

Automated ad break insertion: Automation enables dynamic ad break insertion, where ads are placed based on predetermined rules or according to platforms’ requirements. This ensures that the right ads reach the right audience, maximizing ad revenue and viewer engagement.

Compliance and optimization: Automated systems ensure that ad breaks comply with regulatory standards and are optimally placed to avoid interruptions during crucial content segments. This enhances both compliance and viewer experience.

READ: SSAI - A deep dive into effective content monetization

The role of AI in faster programming

AI is reimagining programming by bringing both efficiency and creativity to the forefront. It enables channel programmers to make data-driven decisions and quickly adapt to changing viewer preferences.

Predictive analytics: AI algorithms analyze historical viewership data and marry it with content metadata to create ideal programming schedules. This allows programming teams to cut short the planning time and enhance the suggested schedule with editorial and thematic expertise to bring the right and engaging content for the audience.

Enhanced creativity: AI assists in identifying content gaps and opportunities, enabling programming teams to explore new content ideas and innovative formats. This fosters creativity and helps stay ahead of the competition.

Content personalization: AI-driven personalization tailors content recommendations to individual viewers. By understanding viewer preferences and habits, AI helps create a more personalized and engaging viewing experience, which drives loyalty and increases viewership.

Generative AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs) are pushing the boundaries of conversational interfaces, making them invaluable tools for content scheduling and programming. 

Embracing automation and AI opens up numerous opportunities, elevating programming efficiency. With capabilities ranging from ad break insertion to content personalization, automation and AI ultimately deliver the promise of an enjoyable viewer experience.

Want to learn more?

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