I just realised I have no idea what software a pro broadcaster uses to cue and play songs? In fact, I have very little knowledge of radio production at all! Can somebody give me an overview, or a link or a book to look up? I've googled but not much came up, and I figure you guys could fill me in a little.

Thanks!

Pro radio stations use specialized software, i use STORQ automation.

http://www.wrnonline.com

some use Audiovault.

There's also freeware virtual cart machines out there.

http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Multimedia_and_Graphics/MPEG_Audio_Players_and_Editors/Virtual_Cart_Machine.html

You could use ordinary winamp or windows media player too more than likely, but i dunno.

ytter hit it perfectly

He could probably pick up a REAL cart machine for $50 :D

http://www.jimprice.com/prosound/broadcast/carts/itc/delta-3d-playbacka.jpg

My boss gave me one of the ooolllddd ass carts someone sent us (it was 2005 and the station was still using CD's and cart machines!)

I still have 2 or 3 of those floating around our building, along with umpteen-thousand old carts. Hell, I still have a reel-to-reel in service, just in case.

*snickers*

The oldest piece of equipment here is a cassette tape machine, it's really the only way to record on-air shit.

http://fruk.net/index.php?fruk=productinfo

A friend of mine built this software, Its free and a version 2 is coming along soon.