a method for replacing , refreshing , and managing content in a communication network is provided . the method defines an object policy mechanism that applies media replacement policy rules to defined classes of stored content objects . the object policy mechanism may classify stored content objects into object groups or policy targets . the object policy mechanism may also define metric thresholds and event triggers as policy conditions . the object policy mechanism may further apply replacement policy algorithms or defined policy actions against a class of stored content objects . the media replacement policy rules are enforced at edge content storage repositories in the communication network . a computing device for carrying out the method , and a method for creating , reading , updating , and deleting policy elements and managing policy engine operations , are also provided .