TV Guide's previous methods and systems would never have allowed them to withstand these kinds of numbers. They can now handle converting over 600 ads per day, virtually unattended, with 2 digital operators available to prep and troubleshoot the ads when they arrive. Not too shabby compared to their daily 135 ad maximum just 3 years ago. And again, they owe it all to their use of AppleScript. With their automated workflow, TV Guide has now been able to extend their ad deadlines by two to three days.
Advertisers can send in a revised ad the same day it goes to print, and it still makes the book.
In addition, the new system improved the quality of ads by handling totally digital files. They no longer have to worry about scan lines or scanner patterning. Another one of the Advertising groups is Ad Customization. This group customizes the time and channel information in the national ads of TV Guide's advertisers. In other words, rather than have an advertiser send in 250 specific pieces of copy, they can send in one, and Ad Customization puts the time and channel information into the ads for each edition.