An object is to provide a multipoint distribution system, a distribution method, a management apparatus, and a program which determine whether or not to switch between a current-use system and a backup system in consideration of the importance levels of distribution destinations. The multipoint distribution system according to the present invention includes a distribution destination system importance level database that stores the importance levels of distribution destinations. When a distribution destination not able to communicate with a current-use video distribution system is detected, the multipoint distribution system performs switching from the current-use video distribution system to a backup video distribution system only upon determining that the distribution destination is important by referring to the distribution destination system importance level database.