Programming & Scheduling
Programming is the operational core of a FAST channel. Get the schedule strategy, cadence, and ad break logic right from the start.
Book a FAST Launch CallPick a schedule strategy for your library size
| Library size | Recommended schedule model |
|---|---|
| Under 40hrs | Wheel + smart repeats — cycle content with spacing rules |
| 40–150hrs | Block programming — themed blocks by daypart |
| 150hrs+ | Franchise nights + dayparting — full EPG strategy |
What to decide before you start scheduling
Cadence you can sustain — how frequently will you update the schedule? Weekly is the practical minimum for most teams. Automate what you can.
Ad break placement — SCTE-35 markers must be placed consistently. Most FAST platforms require specific ad break durations and spacing. Get this right before you go live; retrofitting is painful.
Promo slots — plan for self-promotional content between programmes. This fills short-form gaps and reduces perceived repetition.
Fallback content — always have 2–4 hours of reliable fallback content in the schedule. If a stream fails or content fails to ingest, fallback prevents dead air.
What good looks like
- Schedule is 7+ days ahead at all times
- Ad breaks are consistently placed (±30 seconds of target)
- SCTE-35 markers are validated before submission
- EPG data is delivered on time to all platforms
- Content metadata is clean and discovery-friendly
Need help designing your schedule?
We can build the schedule logic for your library size in one session.