A media automation system controls the ability of local stations to automatically replace certain scheduled items. A show is identified as a restricted show, with respect to exclusion of content associated with at least one advertiser. Restriction rules, which are configured to prevent content associated with the at least one advertiser from being scheduled during the restricted show are obtained, and a master broadcast log is generated based on a broadcast schedule and the restriction rules. The local stations are prevented from successfully performing automated replacement of content during the restricted show by inserting a flag into metadata associated with the master broadcast log, the flag specifying a blackout attribute. Buffers can be established around restricted shows, so that spot breaks near restricted shows can also be restricted. A playout system can perform validation checks to ensure that advertisements from advertisers included in the list are not improperly scheduled.