Properly executed, automation is a PLUS to both the owner/operator and the listener. Granted, there will always be glitches, but..for it to WORK, whomever is in charge of programming has to pay attention to details like segment length, commercial lengths, mandatory fill breaks, audio levels, processing to match incoming satellite programming to local content, and so much more. Well executed automation saves money and provides a good product, but satellite delivered programming is in no way local, and can't substitute for a staff that lives and works in and near the town the station is in.
Badly done...it's horrible. (Automation.)
We only take CBS news from satellite, the rest of the day is literally PROGRAMMED here every day. We can't afford live 24/7, but we sound "lively" with attention to detail. That's what's missing in many stations these days, especially some AM's and smaller FM's that are co-owned with bigger stations. Often the "big one" gets the personnel and someone pulling the short straw is told to "watch over' the smaller ones, and all they care about is "sound IS on the air." Not the quality of it.
The fight goes on...
Just be glad that this is radio, not brain surgery or any kind of medical field we're discussing...."Can you say, Malpractice? I thought ya could!" (in many radio markets.)
BTW....I forgot to mention, we're the "WION" folks you'll find in the forums here on Satguys.