November 2017

Welcome to MusicMaster!

New From the MusicMaster Blog

by Paul Ziino - I want to schedule my music in an unpredictable pattern. But I don’t want to create a bunch of different clocks to handle it. Do you have any advice?

The answer to this question is “Format List.” The Format List allows you to schedule a sequence of items that repeats itself over and over. A Format List can contain Category items such as Fixed positions, Combos, and Library Query elements as well as non-category items like Traffic Merges and Lognotes. You build your Format List, and then schedule it in the clock like you would any other element. Here’s an example.

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The MusicMaster Rule Tree – Making Your Rules Work Using Rule Groups

by Marianne Burkett - I was called on not too long ago to review a database and explain why segue rules were not working using the automatic scheduler. When I opened up this databases rule tree, all the coding rules were repeated over and over and over again in each category. The same rules, but multiplied and inserted within the folders of each category. That’s a lot of work with no actual reward!

A good rule of thumb to consider when building rules for the automatic scheduler: Inside the category, the rule applies to that category, not the others. So, if a category is in each quarter hour and it is not next to itself, the “segue” tests in the rules within the category will not work like you might expect when using the auto scheduler. The rules you should be inserting in each category should be: Minimum Rest, rotation rules (i.e., Day Offset Windows, etc), Max plays per day, shift rules, specific artist separation rules and any Optimum Goal Scheduling rules you decide on. Why? Each category rotates differently and normally requires some kind of different setting in the areas listed above.

What are you to do with the coding rules? This is where the “All Categories” section of the rule tree comes in, and where you can build coding rules for specific categories using “Rule Groups”.

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Themed Weekends – Your Gift To The Sales Department

by Dave Tyler - Let’s face it, radio stations have two very different departments: Sales and Programming. General Managers and Owners are famous for believing that the Sales Department makes the money and the Programming Department spends it. While there is certainly some fundamental truth to it the real fact is great programming will make your sales team better and everyone will make more money!

MusicMaster can easily pay for itself many times over by using one simple piece of programming, the Themed Weekend! When PDs and MDs hear Themed weekend they immediately try to schedule a dentists appointed so life will be less painful but the fact is MusicMaster makes Themed Weekends a piece of cake. Imagine going to your GM or GSM and saying “I have a way we get a bunch of new money every week!”. After making sure you haven’t been drinking the good stuff you explain that each weekend (perhaps over the Summer or all year long) you are going to present themed weekends on the air and they can either sell one title sponsor or multiple sponsors. They’re going to love you. Here’s how it works.

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Quick Tip: Show/Hide Elements

If you schedule in passes or like to focus on certain elements when you edit, there is a way to greatly simplify your screen: Show/Hide Elements. This option gives you control over what you see in the editor. For instance, it lets you determine which categories you will see so while editing just your currents, you can see just that category. You can also determine what type of elements you see. That means if you do not want to see lognotes or scheduled elements, you can eliminate them from the display. There are also options for counting elements in the Day and Hour as well as configuring Toolbars. Show/Hide Elements is just another way MusicMaster helps you efficiently edit your logs.

Why College Radio Loves MusicMaster

College radio stations throughout the country are embracing MusicMaster - whether it's to manage large libraries of music, improve rotations and grow a fan base, or help give students a leg up in the professional world. While at the College Broadcast convention this month in San Antonio, we caught up with some of our MusicMaster Raving Fans from student-run stations. Check out this video to hear what they had to say (and take a peek inside the University of Wisconsin-Madison's campus radio station, WSUM-FM).

New! Live365 Interface With MusicMaster V7

MusicMaster and Live365 have teamed up to create a new experience for online broadcasters looking to take advantage of pro-level music scheduling. MusicMaster Version 7 will include Connect365, a set of tools that makes it easy to connect your Live365 account to MusicMaster and broadcast directly to your stream through our Just-In-Time Scheduler and NexPlay Audio Player. This tool, originally designed for our Personal Edition, schedules and plays perfect songs one at a time. Users will also have the option to create a full log ahead of time and share it with their Live365 accounts, or even edit ahead in a log as it is being broadcast - all without interrupting their stream. Live365 users can even schedule their ad-breaks through MusicMaster. Broadcasting live from MusicMaster gives the additional advantage of allowing overlapping song segues, which helps create a more professional-sounding flow.

The Rebirth of Live365

Live365 has returned to the main stage with a rebirth under the new direction of CEO Jon Stephenson. Stephenson's love of radio started out as a childhood hobby in 2004 where he built an FM transmitter with his dad to broadcast throughout his neighborhood. In 2006, Jon moved his station to the Internet and started creating websites for local businesses. In 2009, he officially incorporated and in 2010, founded the Content Delivery Network EmpireStreaming. Continuing to bootstrap, Jon acquired the Live365 brand in mid-2016, bringing the formerly defunct Internet Radio streaming platform back to life. In this endeavor, Jon married his love of radio and his educational background, having earned his BA in Business with a focus on marketing and business information systems from the University of Pittsburgh. As for his passion, Jon believes in giving small webcasters a voice, and that long tail broadcasters’ content is significant in discovering new artists and talents.

As many stream broadcasters and listeners will remember, Live365 was among the services affected by changes to royalties structures. The new and improved Live365 solves this problem by focusing on "microcasters" - stations roughly under 7000 Aggregated Tuning Hours (ATH) per month. For these types of webcasters, Live365 covers the licensing through the Live365.com website and Live365 distribution channels. Paired with the right ad solution, it is easy and affordable for Live365 broadcasters to flourish online. For webcasters that are larger, Live365 also offers Pro services, which help with monetization and reporting to satisfy statutory licensing requirements. The opportunity for micro and small webcasters has never been better.

Indeed, in our evolving media landscape, the next phase of music online is curation. This means the right songs, in the right order, with the right something extra in between... that makes listening to a station special. According to Stephenson, "We’re not out to build the next on-demand music service, but instead put community back into radio with the most diverse and unique content on the Internet. Our webcasters are real people (not computers and algorithms) with a real passion about their stations. It's an art form.

Live365 and MusicMaster: The Whole Package

Of course, we all know that the right scheduling software can enhance the art form by optimizing the science. MusicMaster is designed to "get out of the way" of the scheduling artist, fitting their needs and desires rather than defining and confining them. To that end, we've also sought to streamline our interface with the many tools and systems that our users enjoy. We're excited to add to our collection by integrating with Live365, which will not only provide new opportunities for our users, but also open MusicMaster up to a new world of programmers.

Regarding MusicMaster, Stephenson commented: "When you combine great talent with great software the results are undeniable. We are well aware that MusicMaster has been the programming software of choice for top stations around the world for many years."

While Live365 focuses on robust streaming, delivery, monetization, licensing, and distribution, MusicMaster helps programmers - from hobbyists to seasoned pros - curate their content and grow their audiences. With this seamless interface, stations can stay focused on the creative and not get lost in the logistical challenges. Stephenson adds: "No need to try to recreate the wheel when Live365 has it bundled together in one place. There has never been a better or easier way for large and small broadcasters to engage and monetize online audiences." If you're ready to get started right now, check out Live365.com!

MusicMaster broadcasting a log live through Live365 through our NexPlay Audio Player

Live365 and Terrestrial Radio

Notably, there is a place on Live365 for terrestrial broadcasters as well. For simulcasting of stations, Live365’s sister company EmpireStreaming specializes in solutions for AM/FM broadcasters, including streaming, reporting, monetization, and distribution. In addition, Live365 can help terrestrial broadcasters create online-only side channels with different music genres and different on-air talent. Online only stations can become a creative test-bay for terrestrial broadcasters thinking about diversifying their audience. Live365 can be a vital digital partner for terrestrial stations looking to expand their overall digital footprint.

New Beginnings

MusicMaster Founder and President Joe Knapp has been a Live365 user for many years, and continues to broadcast his MusicMaster Oldies channel on the platform. Curated from his legendary collection, the station - among it's 120,000 songs - includes every chart hit from 1955 to 1970. Of the partnership with Live365, Knapp commented: "Personal Internet broadcasting is another way to exercise your creativity and express yourself through social media. Live365 makes it easy for anyone to get "on the air" quickly, and MusicMaster is the perfect way to rotate and mix your music so you can grow and maintain a large audience."

Live365 users will have the option to license MusicMaster as part of their subscription package, while existing MusicMaster clients will only have to wait until Version 7's release to access the included Connect365.To get ahead and sign up for a Live365 station now, click the button below!

Join Live365

Radio's Next Generation: MusicMaster at CBI

More than 400 students representing 85 schools converged on the Hyatt Regency River Walk in beautiful downtown San Antonio for the sixth annual CBI National Student Electronic Media Convention November 2-4, 2017. Many of these students and even some outside participants enjoyed a MusicMaster Genius Day, featuring Founder/President Joe Knapp. For this Genius Day, Joe went back to the basics of radio programming and the how and why of creating perfect rotations. Students also had a lunchtime session with Roger Allen, from Marconi winning station KONO-FM in San Antonio. You can find him again at the end of this newsletter as our November MusicMaster of the Month!


Joe Knapp, OG (Original Genius)	Roger Allen shared his career advice.


Students in attendance from various schools included Tom Fuerst, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (left)	Joe Knapp and Roger Allen

Session topics were expansive allowing a broad range of knowledge for all participants — from radio, television, film, broadcast sports, newswriting, podcasting, copyright, FCC inspections, music scheduling, social media, management and training, diversity, programming, promotions, drone use, underwriting/fundraising, documentary work, and much more.

Students were given opportunities to have air checks, demo reels, and resumes reviewed by industry professionals. Others participated in station tours of Cox Media Group, KSAT-TV 12 ABC, and KSYM-FM San Antonio College.


Students trying out some of the gear from Broadcasters General Store.	CBI President John Morris and Willer Award Winner Chris Wheatley. Photo by Marty Kurtz.

The MusicMaster team had the chance to catch up with students and professors and learn more about the changing landscape of student-run radio. We enjoyed the privilege of talking with students about their career goals, as well as hearing feedback from some Raving Fans of MusicMaster. You can hear some of what they had to say in this newsletter's Featured Video (top). Many thanks to Mark Maben and the members of the CBI for putting together such a great event. We look forward to next year in Seattle!

Raving Fans From Down Under

Our MusicMaster Genius Tour throughout Australia and New Zealand has concluded successfully, thanks to our bold and never-weary travelers Blair Sullivan (Create Consult Research) and Rainer Eichhorn (ON AIR). The tour started in Melbourne with the ACRA conference and led up the coast via Geelong, Woolongong, Sydney, over to Wellington, Auckland and back to Brisbane. Altogether, the pair consulted programming teams from 40 stations, sometimes hosting two workshops a day! In our last newsletter, we covered stops at ACE, Wave-FM, Foxtel and Grant Broadcasters in Queensland and Northern Territory. Since then, Rainer and Blair also visited with Grant Broadcasters in Brisbane, pictured below.

Visiting Grant Broadcasters in Brisbane

Along the way, Rainer and Blair encountered many Raving Fans of MusicMaster, including three featured in the video below: Ross Turner of Grant Broadcasters in Queensland and Northern Territory, along with Todd Sergeant and Kev Kellaway from 2NURFM in Newcastle.

As ON AIR's Rainer Eichhorn reflects: Wherever we went, we received a very warm welcome and in the end it was really hard for me to leave. One thing is for sure, we have the best users in the world and we can’t wait to come back!

67th Annual WABE Convention

Each year, The Western Association of Broadcast Engineers holds an annual convention that highlights the best of radio and television technologies, and provides a venue for engineers to share information and their experiences.

Frigid winter temperatures, a fresh blanket of snow and several hundred friendly broadcast professionals welcomed the MusicMaster team to Alberta.

MusicMaster enjoyed the opportunity to join our Canadian sales partner, Malcolm Sinclair, and many client radio stations to learn about the needs and ideas from those utilizing any of the family of MM schedulers.


Sam Lowe of Jim Pattison Broadcast Group in Grande Prairie, AB spends a few minutes learning new scheduling tricks from Malcolm Sinclair.	Mitchell Anderson and Darcie Harris of Rogers Broadcasting in Edmonton, AB share a laugh with MusicMaster’s Shane Finch	MusicMaster’s Sinclair catches up with Denis Barriault of Dougall Media in Thunder Bay, ON


Troy Wylie of Jim Pattison Broadcast Group in Kelowna, BC holds court while Sinclair and others listen in	Malcolm Sinclair, Chris Terpsma of Harvard Broadcasting of Calgary, AB, Jim Hammond of Wide Orbit

MusicMaster MSC Recognized by Alma Mater

MusicMaster Scheduling Consultant Jesus Rodriguez was recently recognized for his career successes by his alma mater, the University of Texas-Arlington. This month, he was asked to share his insights at a Q&A with Broadcast Communications students at the school’s annual Comm Day festival. Jesus reflected: “Accomplishments are always great, but the recognition by my Alma Mater to participate on this panel was something else. It was great to see that the future of our industry will be in great hands with these upcoming graduates.” We’re proud to have Jesus on the team, and look forward to his continued success at MusicMaster!

Jesus Rodriguez (center) with students from UTA.

Radio Tchad in Africa Takes First Steps with MM

Not only is Radio Tchad moving to its brand new premises, the leading radio broadcaster in Tchad is also bringing its full service station RNT and its youth oriented music station FM 92.5 to the digital age. Both teams will be using MusicMaster for their music scheduling and recently had their first contact with the software during a three-day A-Z training session in France. Six members of the Radio Tchad team flew over to Paris to meet with their trainer Gerard Floener, RTL Luxembourg’s head of music and a true MusicMaster pro.

The team showed particular interest in the multiple keyword fields and the sheer infinite possibilities the MusicMaster Rule Tree has to offer. Building the clocks in MusicMaster was a fun moment for showing the new users all the flexibility the software has to offer. The project in Tchad is a joint venture with French system provider Netia. Merci beaucoup! Once again, thanks for teaming up with us!

Alexandre Polini (Netia), Mesmin Djidina (ONRTV), Ahmat Chahata Ibrahim (ONRTV), Tondjibaye Mouadjidi (ONRTV), Blaise Mbaïrané (ONRTV), Cherif Hissein Ahmat (ONRTV), Gerard Floener (RTL Luxembourg), Youssouf Ahmat Hamid (ONRTV)

Classical KMFA Commissions Jingle Overture

Our friends and MusicMaster users at Classical station KMFA in Austin, TX are celebrating another creative triumph. This year, they are celebrating their milestone 50th anniversary with an original four-note audio logo, a celebratory overture, and a great deal of fanfare.

Composer Dan Welcher, who was commissioned to write the celebratory work, explains the basis behind his four-note theme: " “I took the four call letters of the station’s name and assigned them musical pitches: K (=C) M (=G) F, and A. These four notes, both in the original key and in every imaginable transposition, become a leitmotif organizing the entire overture.”

The idea is keeping in spirit with other legendary jingle motifs. For example, the familiar tones for NBC are G - E- C, thus matching the initials of its early owner, the General Electric Corporation.

Based on the four-note motif, Welcher then composed a series of short pieces to give KMFA the fanfare it deserves during hourly Station ID breaks. Given KFMA's close relationship with the community, it's only fitting that each of the pieces was performed and recorded by local talent in Austin. You can learn more (and listen!) by visiting the KMFA website.

If your station is doing something unique or celebrating a milestone, we'd love to hear about it and feature it in our next newsletter! Write to us at info@musicmaster.com.

Roger Allen - Director of Branding and Programming - ‎Cox Media Group, San Antonio, TX

Roger shares: "Get the music right, and the rest is window dressing. We've used MusicMaster for years now and we continually find ways to maximize scheduling via the rule tree and the expert assistance from our reps. Some of the best practices come from reading the MusicMaster newsletter. For example, we loosened up our search depth on categories and let the scheduling breathe enough to find a better fit. When your parameters are set up to get the minimum and maximum rotation and scheduling allowance you want to accomplish--you allow some latitude for MM to do what it does best. One of favorite features is formatting a custom layout screen. Each person who has access to your database can have their own saved layout. It makes it easy for us to see rule violations, rotation maps and the music log right where your mind's eye is trained to look---and that makes scheduling easier and faster!

Dave Tyler
MusicMaster Scheduling Consultant
Ocala, FL

Dave Tyler has been with MusicMaster for a little more than three years, following a 16 year stint at WTRS in Gainesville/Ocala, Florida where he served as Morning Guy, MD and PD. Dave says: "I actually got into radio after hearing an interview with John Cougar where he said he got a job at a radio station to meet record reps. I thought that was a great idea and, as a terrible drummer and guitar player, I hatched my plan. Turns out I am a little better at radio and have been in the industry now for more than 33 years."

Over the years, Dave has done every job and held every position available in a radio station. He shares: "Radio has been the platform that has opened me up to a lot of worlds. I have flown in fighter planes and bombers, got SCUBA certified, took flying lessons, been in boxing matches, traveled everywhere and met just about every Country star on the planet. My gig with MusicMaster allows me to work with some of the greatest Programmers on the planet, some of which have been my heroes in this business for years and now they are calling me for help or advice...cool stuff!"

Dave (center) with Garth Brooks
Dave's advice for others in the radio industry is to keep an open mind to ideas and never stop learning. He says: "I work with big names and more unknown programmers but learn something from each of them and hopefully they do from me as well. Sometimes a ridiculous idea turns out to be a real genius gem after rolling it around in your head a while.

Among Dave's hobbies and interests is martial arts. He has practiced for many years and holds a 5th degree Black Belt in traditional Karate and Black belts in Juijitsu, Kobudo & TaeKwonDo as well. Dave also has a love for music, which not only got him into radio, but also continues with his passion as a songwriter and musician. He also collects guitars, and has over 40 and counting. He says: "I finally have so many guitars that my wife doesn't realize when I add another to the pack!" He adds: "Prior to coming to MusicMaster, I made an annual pilgrimage to Nashville for the CRS each year to hang out with fellow radio folks and my record rep friends (Who have still yet to offer me a contract!!!).

Dave has 2 grown boys, a 10 year old daughter, Bailey, and a beautiful wife, Lisa. He says: "I prefer hanging around the house and just spending time with them, and I am always looking for a reason to smoke pounds of Brisket & Pork....so come on over!" Looking back on his time at MusicMaster so far, Dave shares, "I am proud of my job with MusicMaster and for being a Music Scheduling Consultant for them. MusicMaster is the "Premium" music scheduling software and there are only a handful of us here doing this job, so it holds a level of respect and prestige that I find fulfilling. I am amazed at how smart my co-workers are and hope I can keep fooling them into believing I am as good as they are for as long as I can!" To our readers, he adds: "I look forward to working with you too!"