As we kick off 2026, let’s tease the top 5 features RCS is introducing in 2026, as well as review some of the concepts you might have missed from 2025. 2026 is set to be the year of the cloud as we expand ZettaCloud from Disaster Recovery to full radio automation. Simultaneously, we’re beginning to look for SelectorCloud beta users. Don’t forget about AudioDisplay’s campaign and metadata overrides, combined that with new versions of Zetta, GSelector, Aquira and more, and RCS is very excited for what this year has to offer.
Let’s start with the Cloud, specifically, “Why should you move your operations to the cloud?” As we continue to add new features, it’s really a business decision to pivot from an on prem solution to the cloud. In fact, many programmers are using this transition period to begin to launch some of their stations in the cloud. Syncing your on prem stations with ZettaCloud Based Disaster Recovery and now all of your audio, logs, and SQL backups are safely stored in the cloud, allowing programmers to benefit from a hybrid cloud solution. iHeart Media made the switch to the cloud to save on real estate costs, which ended up saving them over $100 million dollars. Other benefits include no hardware to support, no software to maintain, and/or prioritizing content via a centralized environment, sharing all audio, offering a single access point for all users and more between stations.
The RCS Cloud is built on a native cloud solution that can scale up or down, automatically at a moments notice. Whereas other cloud solutions rely on virtual machines (VMs) that require manual intervention during a user spike, RCS Cloud solutions can easily adjust based on any type of demand. Your cloud environment is the same as the current iHeart Media 500+ station cloud environment, only separate to safely secure your content. There’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) East/West player redundancy in addition to your RCS Edge Device local hardware playout for another level of redundancy. With ZettaCloud, we took the advantages of Zetta on prem and expanded them into the cloud, allowing programmers to operate the way they want to work. Other cloud solutions include specific tasks, “This is how you achieve ‘x’ in our cloud,” limiting what users can do. And since all of RCS Cloud is coded using HTML5, talent can securely access their ZettaCloud from anywhere at anytime via a browser with Internet access. As we expand hybrid solutions for 2026, users will see modern solutions by combing on prem stations with unique, complimentary cloud workflows – maximizing your efficiency.
ZettaCloud includes the new live studio, modern Splits delivery, as well as many other everyday radio enhancements. SelectorCloud is right behind ZettaCloud’s innovation by introducing modern scheduling techniques, including AI, into everyday music scheduling tasks. We’ll have more to announce at this year’s NAB in April. Of course, there’s also other cloud solutions, like AudioDisplay, which allows stations to create a new revenue stream with spot advertising targeting. Essentially, either override the entire Spot Block or upsell a single spot to include an advertiser’s name, marketing line and an image for HD / RDS displays. Recapping 2025 and teasing 2026, AudioDisplay includes a conflict checker, the ability to schedule station promos/shows, advanced metadata displays during a song, and more. New in 2026, AudioDisplay will incorporate delivery tracking and reporting for better affidavits.
Then there’s our on prem products, like Zetta, GSelector, Aquira and more. In 2025, Zetta 5.25.2 showcased High Availability Slots and new in 2026, Zetta 5.26.1 will expand on its Site Replication solution to encompass both on prem Zettas and ZettaCloud. This way, programmers can not only incorporate a hybrid solution, but we can share audio, logs, backups, voice tracks and more between Zetta and ZettaCloud. We’re even providing an option to switch playback between Zetta and ZettaCloud so that engineers can pivot their automation destination to potentially save costs on their operating budgets. Regarding GSelector, 5.1.2 is currently in beta with the new Metadata Importer tool, allowing programmers to incorporate spreadsheets into GSelector to mass add or edit elements. A game changer! GSelector 5.1.3 will introduce supporting 4K resolution, scheduler tickets, read-only Log Export Formats, the ability to schedule off-air stations and more.
As a reminder, due to Windows and other third-party evolving requirements, RCS has announced an end-of-life supporting NexGen. Reach out to your local RCS Sales Representative for special Zetta or ZettaCloud discounts. In addition, RCS has a full suite of products, both cloud and on prem, to find a solution that fits your station’s specific needs. We offer creative pricing and payment methods, like barter. Plus, with a global team of developers, backed by $10+ million dollars in cloud development, and the worldwide leader in radio support, RCS can help you and your team operate at its maximum efficiency. Plus, we’re hitting the road in 2026, visiting stations like yours! If you want to schedule a site visit or consultation, reach out to us on your platform of choice or contact your local RCS Sales Representative to schedule a time. Who knows, maybe we’ll bring you some lunch too.
Finally, there are tons of resources available to you and your team. RCS Academy offers training and education resources, with courses highlighting Zetta, Zetta for Engineers, GSelector and Aquira. The RCS Live Archives features over 150+ how to videos available on our website under the Blog and RCS Live section: https://www.rcsworks.com/rcs-live/. If there’s a specific topic, view one of the videos and use the Seach field on the right to find videos based on specific keywords. We can’t wait to see you on the road in 2026!