Solution: Option C — Graphics Overlays

Instead of relying on EPG group titles for branding, use real program titles in the EPG and add visual branding via ErsatzTV’s graphics overlay system:

# In daily-playout.py, remove customTitle from start_epg_group:
api_instance.start_epg_group(build_id, {"advance": True})
# This lets individual movie/show titles appear in the guide

# Then add graphics for block branding:
api_instance.graphics_on(build_id, {
    "graphics": ["lower-third"],
    "variables": {"block": "Morning Comedy"}
})