"Simian" Automation Implemented at K92

K92 began the 2006-2007 school year with a new radio station programming automation system.

The Simian automation software is in use by over 6,000 radio stations in 44 countries and was recommended for strong customer support and flexibility.

"The dean's office and Network Services gave us strong support in this project," commented K92 advisor Mike Marek. "In addition to the new automation software itself, we got new computers on the control room and both production rooms, feature professional-quality sound cards."

Marek spent the summer of 2006 configuring the new system, with help from incoming general manager Tony Gerard, in order to have it ready for students to use in August.

"One of the things we haven't ramped back up yet on the new system is voice tracking," observed Marek, referring to the capability of automation systems to insert prerecorded DJ announcements that "sound live" into fully automation music programming. K92 has traditionally voice tracked automated hours. "Our student management for 2007--2008 has advised me that restoring voice tracking is a priority and I am looking forward to hearing our K92 DJs 'around the clock.'"