The present disclosure is directed to cloud-based media distribution and management systems, providing pushing of content to regional playout servers geographically dispersed for local rebroadcasting of network based content. Automation may be controlled through a hierarchical system, allowing easy and efficient playlist editing and media control. In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a playout server for retrieving or receiving content from a network or cloud based storage, and playing content according to an automated playlist received from a media distribution and management system.