> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.podigee.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.podigee.com/documentation/start-here/ai-agents/transfer-media-encode-and-publish/schedule-publication-while-preparing-media.md).

# Schedule publication while preparing media

Upload and encode local media while preserving a reviewed future publication time.

Allow enough time for transfer and encoding before the intended release.

## Before you start

* Choose the local release time and time zone.
* Convert it to ISO 8601 with an explicit offset.
* Check upload, encoding, storage, and publish allowances.
* Keep a safe lead time for the file size and media processing.

## Schedule the publication

```sh
pdg --write publish episode.mp3 --podcast 42 --title "New episode" \
  --at "2026-08-20T09:00:00+02:00"
```

1. Review the timestamp and its normalized instant.
2. Start the workflow before the planned release time.
3. Confirm the preview only when the episode and schedule are correct.
4. Monitor upload, encoding, and the durable operation.
5. Confirm that the final episode has the intended future `published_at` value.

## Expected result

Media processing completes and the episode remains scheduled for the reviewed instant.

## If processing approaches the release time

Do not assume that an unfinished production will publish correctly. Inspect the operation and production. Reschedule through a fresh preview when more lead time is needed.

## Next step

[Recover an interrupted publication](/documentation/start-here/ai-agents/transfer-media-encode-and-publish/recover-an-interrupted-publication.md).


---

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