Abstract: An automated program/commercial identification system that encodes and decodes an encoded data frame, which is added to an original program segment before it is broadcast. Within each encoded data frame, data is encoded to identify the original program segment and its prescribed time duration. A plurality of encoded data frames, altered by sequence codes, are repetitively generated for the duration of the encoded program segment to verify the encoded program segment's integrity. A phase-shift keyed modulation technique is used to place the encoded data frames in a notched-out section of the original program segment's audio channel, forming an encoded audio channel within the encoded program segment. Verification of the integrity of the encoded audio channel of the encoded program segment is achieved by monitoring the integrity of each encoded data frame.