ENCO‘s browser-based WebDAD radio automation control solution is helping broadcasters who have been forced to transition to remote production models during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baker Broadcasting, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is one such broadcaster to embrace WebDAD’s powerful capabilities. Its adoption of WebDAD has allowed flagship station KISR(FM) and KREU(FM) — the only Spanish-language station in Northwest Arkansas — to continue on-air operations without interruption or limits.
According to ENCO, WebDAD represents the company’s “studio in a cloud” vision, and brings together everything required to support professional remote production for live radio. The firm explains that operators can control the flow of their programming from home while in quarantine (as well as on the road) and connect directly to ENCO’s DAD automation system in the official broadcast studio via WebDAD’s virtualized platform.
“The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to find new ways to manage our workload,” said Ayrton McPhail, chief engineer, Baker Broadcasting. “The benefit of WebDAD is its quick learning curve for both engineers and DJs, especially those familiar with the studio DAD system. Our staff can remotely connect to their workstation and coordinate automation from home. The ability to directly upload audio files into rotation also simplifies our programming. This is an optimal solution to ensure broadcasts continue despite the difficulties of being quarantined.”
McPhail was one of a few employees permitted onsite for nearly two months, compared to the staff of 20 that is normally present. That gave McPhail a direct view into how WebDAD interoperated with the studio DAD system. “Everything comes together seamlessly,” he said. “The core functions and features of DAD are all present, with the greatest difference being a fresh and updated look for operators using the system.”
Looking forward, the broadcaster doesn’t envision putting WebDAD away as the pandemic eventually subsides. While the WebDAD platform’s value is very timely, McPhail anticipates continued use even as Baker Broadcasting transitions back into more traditional business operations. “Sick days are a thing of the past,” he jokes. “There is little excuse for not doing your work with WebDAD’s remote access. Plus, it’s a fun system to use.”