New Update: Station Operations 2.0 — Departments, Progression & Specializations

A major Station Operations 2.0 update completely reworks how you build and manage your station.

The old equipment and staff system has been replaced with seven specialized departments, each with upgrade levels, recurring operating costs, and meaningful gameplay effects.

We've also added Station Level progression, XP, department specializations, and a more dynamic operating economy.

Seven Departments

Your station is now built around seven departments, each focused on a different part of your network:

• Broadcast — improves signal quality and prime-time reach

• Studio — improves live production and premieres

• Newsroom — strengthens news content

• Marketing — increases loyalty growth and reduces churn

• Commercial — improves sponsor offers and reputation gains

• Tech — reduces facility maintenance costs

• Acquisitions — reduces licensing and renewal fees

Every department starts at Level 1 and can be upgraded through multiple tiers, with each upgrade providing a real, stacking gameplay effect.

Station Level & XP

Your station now earns XP through normal gameplay.

XP is gained from:

• Broadcasting each day

• Improving your weekly ratings

• Completing sponsor campaigns

• Expanding your reach

XP contributes to your Station Level, which unlocks higher department tiers and new progression options.

Higher-tier upgrades require a minimum Station Level, while specializations unlock at Station Level 5.

You can't simply buy your way to the top — your station needs to earn its progression.

Recurring Operating Costs

Every department now has a recurring daily operating cost.

These costs represent facility maintenance and staff payroll and are deducted each in-game day alongside reach overhead.

The Station header now shows your total daily operating cost, with a breakdown covering:

• Reach overhead

• Facility maintenance

• Staff payroll

Before confirming an upgrade, you'll also see the projected new daily cost. If your recent average profit may not cover the increase, an affordability warning will be displayed.

Department Specializations

At Station Level 5 and Department Level 3, you can choose a permanent specialization.

For example:

Broadcast

• Signal Relay — additional reach

• HD Broadcast — higher premium ad rates

Studio

• Live Production — live event bonus

• Premiere Machine — premiere boost

Commercial

• Brand Relations — stronger sponsor relationships

• Market Analysis — better offer quality

Your first specialization is free. Changing it later costs cash.

Specializations allow late-game stations to develop different strengths instead of simply becoming larger versions of the same build.

Integrated with Sponsors, Reach & Economy

The new department system is connected to the existing station systems.

Commercial improves the Sponsor 2.0 offer pool and increases the value of completed sponsor campaigns.

Marketing works alongside active advertising campaigns to improve loyalty and reduce churn.

Tech helps offset the increased operating costs of a larger station through reduced maintenance expenses.

Reach progression also now takes your Station Level, reputation, and average viewers into account, making higher tiers something you need to earn rather than simply purchase.

Existing Saves

Existing saves are automatically migrated.

Your previous equipment and staff are converted into equivalent department levels, preserving the investment you've already made.

You don't need to start a new game to experience Station Operations 2.0.

A New Way to Build Your Station

Station Operations 2.0 makes station growth more strategic.

Upgrades now come with ongoing costs, progression is tied to your performance, and specializations allow you to shape your station around your preferred strategy.

Build your station. Grow your audience. Manage your costs. Decide what kind of network you want to run.