Radio Disney Explained

Network Name:	Radio Disney
Country:	United States
Network Type:	Radio network
Available:	National, through broadcast stations, satellite radio, and internet radio
Headquarters:	Burbank, California, U.S.
Owner:	Disney Branded Television
Affiliates:	See list

Radio Disney was an American radio network operated by the Disney Radio Networks unit of Disney Branded Television within Disney General Entertainment Content, headquartered in Burbank, California.

The network broadcast music programming oriented towards children, pre-teens and teenagers, focusing mainly on current hit music and a heavy emphasis on teen idols (particularly those signed with Disney Music Group record labels, such as Hollywood and Walt Disney); compared to most CHR stations, Radio Disney was far more aggressive in playing only current hits and eschewed recurrent rotation.^[1]

For many years Radio Disney affiliated with stations in markets of varying size, mainly large and mid-sized markets; however, by the early 2010s, Disney had begun to phase out the network's affiliations with terrestrial radio stations, and sold its owned-and-operated Radio Disney stations (with the exception of KDIS in Los Angeles) to third-parties, in order to focus more on its programming, marketing, creating revenue producing events and distribution of Radio Disney as an internet radio outlet on digital platforms.^[2]

In 2015, Radio Disney partnered with iBiquity to distribute the network terrestrially via its HD Radio platform, and with iHeartRadio for further digital distribution.^[3] In the same year, Radio Disney launched a spin-off service, Radio Disney Country, which carried a country music format catered towards a similar audience; in 2017, this service replaced the main Radio Disney service on KDIS, which was renamed KRDC. The network also lent its name to the Radio Disney Music Awards, an annual music awards presentation broadcast on television since 2014 by Disney Channel.

On December 3, 2020, Disney announced that Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country would be shut down in the first quarter of 2021.^{[4] [5] [6]} On April 14, 2021, Radio Disney ceased broadcast when its last remaining terrestrial station, KRDC in Los Angeles, was quietly changed to a simulcast of KSPN 710 AM, an ESPN Radio frequency.

Background

Disney had for a long time been involved in the music business, building off its success in movies and TV shows, which later became Disney Music Group. However, with radio, Disney was not committed to the medium only doing a few shows. Radio Disney is Disney's third foray into radio. In late 1955, Walt Disney started The Magic Kingdom radio show—running Monday through Fridays and which was heard on ABC Radio.^[7] Even before the 1996 Disney-CC/ABC merger, Disney and ABC Radio considered as early as 1991 planned for a children's radio network but dropped the idea.^[8] Starting on July 31, 1994, Disney started a weekend radio show, Live From Walt Disney World, that originated from both Disney World and Disneyland on Radio AAHS.^{[8] [9]}

In November 1995, ABC Radio Networks and Children's Broadcast Corp. reached an agreement for ABC Radio to provide marketing and sales to Radio AAHS. After Disney's acquisition of CC/ABC, Disney had ABC Radio cancel the agreement in August 1996 plus announced the start of its own children's network and ended AAHS's Disney World broadcasting rights.^[10]

History

ABC Radio Networks (1996–2006)

Radio Disney was test launched at 5 a.m. on November 18, 1996, in four markets, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Birmingham, Alabama by ABC Radio Networks. On March 8, 1997, a fifth test market was added, Seattle on former KidStar station KKDZ.

Pleased with the results in those four test markets, ABC Radio Networks announced on May 8, 1997, that Radio Disney would begin a nationwide rollout, starting on October 1, 1997.^[11] On August 26, 1997, Radio Disney was launched in Los Angeles on KTZN/710, and by the end of the year, the network had 14 affiliates.^[12]

By August 1998, 28 stations had affiliated with Radio Disney, with an expected 63 stations by the end of 1999. Radio Disney purchased KAAM (AM) (Plano, Texas) for $12 million and switched the station to the network in August.^[13] In 1998, the network was based out of its Dallas station.^[14]

Other than music, the network aired other programs such as "Mickey & Minnie's Tune Time", a two-hour weekday toddler program, and two 60-second features per hour which included contests, "ABC News for Kids" and "Gross Me Out".^[13] The network ran its Radio Disney Project Family Initiative from July 1 to September 15, 2003, with family-themed programming and events to get family to sign on to the Radio Disney Family Pledge.^[15]

Radio Disney would later begin being carried on XM Satellite Radio in 2001,^[16] with the station launching on Sirius Satellite Radio in 2002. Disney entered a joint venture to launch Capital Disney digital radio channel in Britain and operated from 2002 until June 29, 2007.^[17] In 2004, Disney paid the former Children's Broadcasting Corporation (which operated children's radio network Radio Aahs) $12.4 million in a lawsuit settlement.^[18]

In April 2002, Radio Disney began using a new logo, which was followed by the network redesigning its website, and changing its slogan to "Your Music, Your Way" on May 28, 2002.^{[19] [20]}

On July 30, 2003, ABC Radio Networks founded the Radio Disney Group, who took over operations of most of Radio Disney's stations.^[21]

2006 marked the network's 10th anniversary; Radio Disney rebroadcast its first hour of programming from November 18, 1996, on June 6, 2006, at around 4:58 pm. ET on stations in selected markets, such as WQEW. Also, as part of the 10th anniversary, Radio Disney held the "Totally 10 Birthday Concert" on July 22, 2006, at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California.^[22] It also included a simultaneous live webcast on the Radio Disney website. A second concert was held in Dallas, Texas, on November 18, 2006, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Disney Channels Worldwide (2006–2014)

In August 2006, operational duties of Radio Disney were transferred to the company's Disney–ABC Cable Networks Group (currently d.b.a. Disney Channels Worldwide), which otherwise operates Disney's cable television properties, except for ESPN.^[23]

On June 12, 2007, Disney spun off and merged its ABC Radio Networks with Citadel Broadcasting into Citadel Communications while retaining its ESPN Radio and Radio Disney networks and stations.^{[24] [25]}

In March 2008, Radio Disney and Gracenote signed a licensing agreement starting immediately that allowed the lyrics to be seen along with the song online on Radio Disney Internet Radio Player.^[26] The channel began streaming live on iTunes Radio Tuner in August 2008.^[27] In November 2008, Radio Disney relocated its main operations from Dallas to Los Angeles. The former radio studio that housed Radio Disney in Dallas began to be used by The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show in 2008.

On October 8, 2008 the network launched the Next Big Thing feature which allowed listeners to vote on young unsigned artists' songs to be played.^[28] In 2013, the Radio Disney Music Awards began airing on the Disney Channel.^[29]

Sometime in April 2009, Radio Disney changed its logo to the one used until the station's closure.^[30]

By 2009, Radio Disney was starting to reduce its station footprint to the larger markets to make the network more profitable. In January 2010, Radio Disney Group requested permission from the FCC to "silence" five of its owned-and-operated stations (along with a sixth station operating under a local marketing agreement with another company) while the stations were being sold.^[31] Disney sold six AM stations and one FM station that year. In June 2013, Disney announced the sale of seven owned-and-operated stations in medium-sized markets, in order to refocus Radio Disney's broadcast distribution on the top-25 radio markets.^[32]

On April 10, 2014, it was announced that Radio Disney's Top 30 Countdown would become a syndicated radio show, distributed by Rick Dees's Dees Entertainment.^[33] Aha Radio, Slacker and ShowMobile signed online carriage agreements with the network in mid-2014.

Shift to HD Radio and digital (2014-2020)

On August 13, 2014, Radio Disney's general manager Phil Guerini announced plans to sell all but one of its remaining owned-and-operated stations on or before September 26, 2014, in order to focus more on the network's programming, co-branded events, and digital outlets. Listenership reports indicated that the majority of Radio Disney's audience listened to the network via satellite radio and other digital platforms, and only 18% via terrestrial AM/FM radio. KDIS remained operational to serve as the originating station for the Radio Disney network,^[34] while the remaining stations would continue carrying Radio Disney programming until their respective sales were completed.^[35] The last five Radio Disney owned-and-operated stations for sale were sold on September 15, 2015, to Salem Media Group (who was the largest purchaser of the stations) for $2.225 million.^[36]

On April 13, 2015, Disney announced that the Radio Disney network would move to HD Radio subchannels; the network would be distributed by iBiquity via deals with broadcast companies (CBS Radio, Entercom, Cumulus Media, etc.) with ad sales handled by its HD Radio Digital Network. A network representative stated that the move was intended to target families as in-car listeners. Eventually, those deals ended quietly after a few years.^[37] On August 6, 2015, Radio Disney was made available for listening on iHeartRadio.^{[38] [39]}

It was announced that on November 25, 2019, Disney had secured a deal with Entercom to bring Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country to the company's Radio.com platform.^[40]

Decline and closure (2020–2021)

On December 3, 2020, Disney announced that both Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country would shut down in the first quarter of 2021 as part of its restructuring plan to focus more on producing content for the television networks and Disney+, with KRDC being put up for sale. Radio Disney began to wind down operations on December 31, 2020, as their DJ's hosted their final shows, and was discontinued on SiriusXM on that same date. Radio Disney Country was completely shut down at noon Pacific Time on December 31; KRDC subsequently returned to the main Radio Disney feed. On January 1, the station ceased its Top 40 format and switched to an automated throwback playlist which mainly consisted of songs from throughout the 24-year history of the network. The Radio Disney app and website shut down on January 22, 2021, while the station continued to broadcast on iHeartRadio until it was removed sometime during March.^[41] At that point, the station was only heard in the Greater Los Angeles Area and San Diego County on terrestrial radio until April 14, 2021, at 10 am PT, when it was quietly discontinued and switched to a simulcast of sister station KSPN. The final song Radio Disney played prior to being switched was “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.

Despite the station now being defunct, Radio Disney’s Instagram and Twitter remain active to promote other Disney movies and TV shows, mainly those airing on Disney+.

Replacement services (2021–present)

On March 25, 2021, Disney launched Disney Hits, at the time exclusively on SiriusXM. Unlike Radio Disney, Disney Hits only includes music from The Walt Disney Company's productions.^[42]

In August 2022, Disney announced a partnership with Audacy Inc. to launch nine additional Disney-branded audio feeds through the Audacy mobile app, in addition to making Disney Hits available on that platform. The nine channels include jazz, a sing-along channel, decades channels devoted to the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, a "Disney Reimagined" channel, a Spanish language channel, a channel devoted to music from Disney Channel, and an LGBTQ-oriented "Disney Pride" channel. The announcement noted that additional Disney channels, including at least one Christmas music channel, would be added later in 2022.^[43]

Programming

Radio Disney played a large selection of songs from stars and programs on Disney Channel, along with popular songs from mainstream pop and R&B artists that are found on conventional radio stations. The network aired edited versions of some Top 40 songs (which remove profanity and any other suggestive content, and in most cases replaces it with re-recorded lyrics specifically for the station) to make them appropriate for younger listeners.

List of former programs broadcast by Radio Disney

• The Wakey Blakey Show – hosted by Blake Kuhre from 2007-2013, was the longest-running and most successful morning show in Radio Disney history. The show aired at the peak of Disney Channels Worldwide franchises. Blake also served as Executive Producer of the show that provided the largest daily block of weekday programming on the network, from 6 AM until 12 PM Eastern.
• Fearless Everyday – hosted by blogger and entrepreneur Alexa Curtis, is Radio Disney's first show to introduce topics like social media and mental health to listeners.
• #ICYMI – In Case You Missed It
• 1 Hour of Nonstop Music – A One Hour Program that plays commercial free music.
• More Music Monday – Non-stop commercial-free music on Mondays with no hosts.
• Morning Update
• Radio Disney Country Spotlight
• Radio Disney Insider Show
• Really Good Time – Hosted by DJ Lela B, the program features dance music including remixes of popular songs. In addition, Lela B also hosts the Weekend Warm-Up show which similar features remixes of songs.
• The Radio Disney Top 3 – The Radio Disney Top 3, hosted by Morgan Tompkins, features the three most requested songs of the day, and after, a caller who is able to name all three songs will win a prize or super entry.
• TBT Top 3
• Radio Disney's Top 10 (originally Top 30 Countdown and Radio Disney's Top 30) – The longest-running program, originally hosted only by Susan Huber, soon by Jake Whetter, later by Ernie D., and eventually by various guest hosts. Songs that receive the most requests during the week are included on the countdown, played in descending order. In 2016, the Radio Disney Top 30, after being the longest-running program in the station, was shortened to only 10 songs. Around New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, a special version of the countdown featuring the 50 most requested songs of the year is broadcast. As of February 2018, it is hosted by various artists or other guest hosts.
• Connect Family – Originally named Family Fun Day, the program was retitled early in April 2007 as Connect Family (borrowed from the network's on-air campaign of the same name); it was formally hosted by Ernest "Ernie D." Martinez and Blake Kuhre. Between songs, parents and children would discuss with the DJs how they spend time with one another, their family life and play contests for children to win prizes and entries into Radio Disney contests.
• For the Record with Laura Marano – A weekly one-hour show hosted by Laura Marano, chronicling her journey as she launches her career. This show closed in April 2016.
• Frequency Jam – A Friday night program which debuted around 2002/2003, in which three songs would be played by DJs Ernest "Ernie D." Martinez or Blake Kuhre. The song with the most votes (via Radio Disney's website) would be the next song that would be played as the winner. Frequency Jam ended in February 2007 with the redesign of Radio Disney website.
• Morgan & Maddy in the Morning – hosted by Morgan Tompkins and Maddy Whitby started on April 1, 2013^[44]
• Nate and Megan in the Morning – A morning show hosted by Nate and Megan.
• Move It Party – Saturday weekend show hosted by Morgan Tompkins and Maddy Whitby
• Playhouse Disney – (Originally "Mickey and Minnie's Tune Time" from 1998^[13] to February 2001^[45]) The program aired on Radio Disney weekdays during the school year from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. ET and was hosted by Robin, Tina, B. B. Good's Jonas Brothers and Susan Huber from its inception; it was also hosted by Betsy. Playhouse Disney was originally a two-hour block, but was later reduced to one hour; segments featured in the block included Circle Time Story (originally "Mickey and Minnie's Storytime Theatre" from 1998 to 2001), which featured read-along stories from Disney movies. Like the now-defunct Playhouse Disney block (succeeded by Disney Junior) on Disney Channel, it was targeted towards preschoolers. Songs for young children were played along with trivia contests.

Serial radio

In July 2010, Radio Disney debuted its first scripted serial called My Dream, a contemporary story utilizing a format reminiscent of serials from the 1940s. Unlike Depression-era radio serials that typically featured episodes lasting 15 to 30 minutes, episodes of My Dream runs for only 90 seconds and play multiple times throughout the day.^[46] My Dream stars Daphne Blunt as a 14-year-old girl trying to make a name for herself in the music industry while dealing with the usual struggles, responsibilities and emotional ups and downs of an everyday teen.^[47]

Features and contests

Radio Disney carried a number of features from interactive contests to informational programs.

Final features

• Music Mailbag – The hour-long Saturday program. After a new song selected for entry into Radio Disney's regular playlist was played, listeners were urged to call into the network's hotline or vote on its website to "Pick It" (make the song part of the network's playlist rotation) or "Kick It" (reject it as an entry into the playlist). By the time the station shut down, voting was conducted via Twitter as the station’s website was no longer used.
• 60 Seconds With (actor/actress/artist name) – A segment featuring minute-long excerpts from interviews and celebrity "takeovers".
• Grand Prize Drawing – Grand prize drawings often occur over the course of one to four weeks, depending on the contest. Contestants can win entries in a regular contest that contestant wins; contestants also periodically have the opportunity to win a "super entry", in which 100 entries for the drawing are entered into the contest. The winner of the grand prize will usually win a vacation, or a chance to meet a popular artist heard on Radio Disney or the opportunity to meet another celebrity. Drawings usually occur on a Friday.
• Planet Premiere – A music artist sits down with Ernest "Ernie D." Martinez or Candice Huckeba as their newest album or song is played on Radio Disney. Before each song plays, the artist tells the listeners how the song was conceived, and what its meaning was.
• Power Prize – The "Power Prize" occurs at least six times a day. A winner of a contest will not only win a super entry, but also a "power" prize. This started when Radio Disney stopped giving out prizes to every contest winner.
• Radio Rewind – A segment of a song was played backward and callers would try to guess the name of that song. The song would usually be played forward after someone wins.
• Sound File – The news on new music and artists (new entries appear weekly during the Top 10 Countdown).
• Super Entry – Winners of a contest receive 100 entries into the grand prize drawing. When the "super entry" first started, the winner would get 40 entries.
• TBT Top 3 – Throwback Thursday Top 3, A long time segment That Plays Throwback Songs, But not that far back. and after that, a caller would try to guess 3 songs, and a caller will win.
• Title Text – A segment that a DJ says the first letter for each word of a song, and callers would try to guess the full words of the song, and will play after someone wins. (For Example: C, S, T, F,: Can't Stop the Feeling.)

Former features

• ABC News for Kids – News updates from ABC News Radio which featured child-appropriate news updates and features segments.^[13]
• ABC Notebook
• Aptitude Dude – voiced by Squeege.
• Backwards Bop – A small excerpt of a song was played backward and callers would try to guess the name of that song.
• Battle of the Cities – A trivia game hosted by Mark and Zippy. Two contestants from different cities would call in and the caller with the most answers wins.
• Bumbling Bill's Safety Spotlight – Bumbling Bill and his friend Sally (Susan Huber) talk about what's safe and unsafe, with Bill (as his nickname indicates) would riskily perform the act. In a running gag, Bumbling Bill would often malaprop Sally's name and she would correct him ("Sally!") to which he would always reply "Whatever." This program ended near the beginning of 2006.
• Celebrity Take with Jake – A pre-recorded segment hosted by Jake Whetter, providing celebrity news stories focusing on actors and music artists popular with the network's target demographic.
• Code Word of the Day – The "Code Word of the Day" is given out about five times an hour. If a caller knows the code word when they calls Radio Disney's hotline (usually around 6:30 pm. ET), that person is awarded a prize. This program ended in mid 2017.
• ESPN Sports for Kids - Sports news and some health tips.
• Grandma Nature
• Garage Door Derby – A contest hosted by DJ Aaron K. in which two callers would call in and participate in a race to see whose garage door closed the fastest. The first to say, "It's open!" or "It's closed!" would win a prize.
• Gross Me Out – "Gross Me Out" was a longtime segment that talked about gross things which kids often like to hear.
• Hairbrush Karaoke – Similar to the "Karaoke" game with DJ Kara. DJ Susan Huber would get a caller to sing karaoke on the radio, and then they would win a prize. This ended when Susan Huber left Radio Disney.
• Hogwarts or Hogwash – A game played by DJ Aaron K. The correct caller must answer three out of four questions from the popular Harry Potter book and/or film series as true or false, by saying "Hogwarts" for being true and "Hogwash" for being false.
• Incubator – A segment played between songs or during commercial breaks featuring interviews with up-and-coming music artists.
• Karaoke – A contest held by retired DJ Kara Edwards. She would sing one line of a song and the correct caller would sing the other.
• Laugh Shack – Kids would call in and leave jokes on the network's voicemail (or "earmail") number. The jokes would then later be aired on the radio.
• Let's Make a Deal – Another game/contest hosted by Mark and Zippy. This was a parody of the television game show of the same name.
• NBT (Next Big Thing) – This segment was hosted by Jake Whetter, and is similar to the former Incubator feature. Each year since the contest launched in 2008, Radio Disney plays new songs by five up-and-coming music artist that are contestants; listeners are able to vote for which contestant moves on to the next round of the competition until a winner is chosen.
• Theatre of the B-zarre – An interstitial segment that ended around mid-2006, in which Dr. B and a hairball-like creature named Critter talk about strange and creepy things.
• The Adventures of Bud and Iggy – A contest that centered on two unheard characters, Bud and Iggy, who are always getting lost. Clues were given as to what city the two are lost in. This longtime contest ended near the end of 2003.
• The Answer is Always "C." – The DJ would give a caller a multiple-choice question, or questions, but a winner would almost always be assured, as the answer was always the "C." choice.
• The State Game – Three clues about a state were given out (the state nickname and two facts) and callers would try to guess what state it is. This game was played by B.B. Good and Sherry.
• Thinkenstein: 2000 – A segment featuring Dr. Thinkenstein (voiced by Clint Ford) a wild, hyperactive scientist with a Karloff-esque voice, who routinely examined technologies and breakthroughs that other scientists were currently working on to improve the future. He frequently discussed his findings with his computer assistant, "I.gor" (nicknamed "E-dot").
• Your Music, Your Way a.k.a. Your Music & Your Stars, Your Way

Radio Disney Music Awards

See main article: Radio Disney Music Awards. From 2001 to 2019, Radio Disney held an annual awards ceremony, the Radio Disney Music Awards, to honor popular music artists featured on the network. Similar to the Teen Choice Awards and Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, teenagers would vote to select the winner of each category including Best Female Artist, Best Male Artist, Best Music Group, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Fiercest Fans, Artist with the Best Style, Most Talked About Artist and more. Hilary Duff is the biggest winner with 21 awards and 35 nominations. There were no award ceremonies held between 2009 and 2012, as well as 2020 and 2021.

Radio Disney World Tours

In 2000 and 2001, Radio Disney launched two separate "world tours" that traveled to major U.S. cities including Atlanta, New York City, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. In 2000, the tour featured up-and-coming talent (No Authority, Myra) and then Radio Disney DJs, Mark and Zippy. The tour played in theatrical venues and had audiences of up to 2,000 people per show (there were four shows each weekend in each city).

Other networks

Radio Disney Networks

Radio Disney, Inc.
Trade Name:	Radio Disney Networks
Type:	Subsidiary
Industry:	Broadcasting
Hq Location:	3800 Alameda Avenue
Hq Location City:	Burbank
Hq Location Country:	United States
Num Locations:	1
Services:	Radio network
Parent:	Disney Channels Worldwide (Walt Disney Television)

Radio Disney Networks^[48] is an American radio network that is owned by Disney Channels Worldwide, Inc., a subsidiary of Walt Disney Television, a primary component of The Walt Disney Company's Disney Media Networks segment. Radio Disney Networks broadcasts three separated digital channels, Radio Disney, Radio Disney Country and Radio Disney Junior, via radio station's HD channel or by online stream sites. The original Radio Disney network play music and other content aimed at preteens and young teenagers; it can be described as a youth-targeted contemporary hit radio format with heavy emphasis on teen idols. Recently Radio Disney has become a Mainstream Top 40 Indicator reporter on Nielsen-BDS eventually being upgraded to monitored status with Nielsen-BDS. Radio Disney is also a monitored reporter on the Mediabase 24/7 Top 40 panel. The network is headquartered in Burbank, California.

Radio Disney Junior was available via the Watch Disney Junior app in August 2014.^[2] On November 4, 2015, Radio Disney Networks launched a country music-focused internet radio station, Radio Disney Country. Disney Channels Worldwide replaced its Watch app series with the singular, DisneyNow, which combines its TV and radio channels the week of September 29, 2017.^[49] On November 13, 2014, Radio Disney and Radio Disney Junior became available on Slacker Radio with Radio Disney's Top 30 Countdown starting on November 15, 2014.^[50]

Radio Disney Country

Network Name:	Radio Disney Country
Country:	United States
Network Type:	Radio network
Affiliates:	See list

Radio Disney Country was a country music focused internet radio network that launched on November 4, 2015, and was initially exclusive to Radio Disney's own digital platforms. The service focused upon current songs, current and past material from popular artists, and pop songs featuring country musicians. Guerini explained that the format of the channel was meant to allow it to draw from a wider range of songs than traditional country radio stations, owing to the format's "embrace" of rock, hip-hop and pop-oriented songs (with Rolling Stone noting its airplay of Lil Nas X's Western-trap song "Old Town Road" in 2019 as an example of this strategy).^[51] The network's launch coincided with the 2015 CMA Awards.^{[52] [53]} Like its sister station, Radio Disney Country emphasized current hits and used little recurrent rotation.^[1]

On June 9, 2017, Disney announced that it would expand the network's distribution to include other digital platforms, such as iHeartRadio and TuneIn, as well as curated playlists on Apple Music and Spotify, and terrestrial radio with the flip of KDIS to the network as KRDC 99.1 FM and AM 1110 (the main Radio Disney network continued to be carried locally on a subchannel of KRTH until late 2018 when its contract to carry the network expired).^[54]

The station's Let the Girls Play segment premiered on December 5, 2018.^[55] In July 2019, Radio Disney Country opened a Nashville Music Row based studio.^[56] In July 2019, Disney agreed to license Radio Disney video content to Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation to telestream via a patented process the content to the web and the audio to a radio station, WIGO-AM, as The Radio Disney Hour (working tile).^[57]

Radio Disney Country's targeted audience was women aged 18 to 34 years old.^[56] The network's mix of music would be every thing with 60% popular artists and 40% up and coming artists.^[53] It ceased in the afternoon of December 31, 2020.

Radio Disney Junior

On February 14, 2011, a Radio Disney Junior block was launched in tandem with the Disney Junior on Disney Channel block. The hour long block focused on music for the preschool age plus fun "audio theater" with Disney Junior characters.^[58]

Programming

• Magical World of Disney Junior, Disney and Pixar movies music
• Pirates & Princesses, themed songs
• Get Up and Move, dedicated to health and wellness^[50]

Stations

Despite being music-oriented, the network was carried primarily on AM stations. The Walt Disney Company owned most of the network's affiliates, though some stations were operated through local marketing agreements that had varying degrees of local management. The last separately-owned Radio Disney affiliate, WOLF in Syracuse, New York, left the network on February 1, 2014.

On August 13, 2014, it was announced that all of Radio Disney's remaining stations, excluding KDIS, were to be sold in an effort to focus more on digital distribution of the Radio Disney network. KDIS would be retained to serve as the originator of Radio Disney's programming, and its operations was assumed by the network's national staff.^[34] However, Disney later announced that it would syndicate Radio Disney through affiliations with HD Radio subchannels.^{[37] [59]}

A gray background indicates a station which was directly operated by the Walt Disney Company.

AM Station	FM Station

City of license / Market	Station	Years affiliated	Current ownership
Denver, CO	KADZ 1550	1998−2003	Defunct, shut down in 2003
Albuquerque–Santa Fe, NM	KALY 1240	2003–2010	KDSK, owned by KD Radio, Inc.
Fresno, CA	KAVT 1680	2000–2008	KGED, owned by Bendita Eucaristia Radio, Inc.
Salt Lake City, UT	KBEE 860	1996–2003	KKAT, owned by Cumulus Media
Denver, CO	KDDZ 1690	1998–2015	KDMT, owned by Salem Media Group
Albuquerque–Santa Fe, NM	KDEF 1150	2000–2003	KNMM, owned by Sangre de Cristo Broadcasting Co., Inc.
Los Angeles, CA	KDIS 710	1997–2003	KSPN, owned by Good Karma Brands
Los Angeles, CA	KDIS/KRDC 1110	2003–2017; 2020–2021	KWVE, owned by Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa
Little Rock–Pine Bluff, AR	KDIS-FM 99.5	2003–2013	Salem Media Group
Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN	KDIZ 1440	1996–2015	KYCR, owned by Salem Media Group
Lafayette, LA	KDYS 1520	1997–2004	KFXZ, owned by Delta Media Corporation
Portland–Salem, OR–Vancouver, WA	KDZR 1640	2003–2015	Salem Media Group
Albuquerque–Santa Fe, NM	KDZZ 1580	1997–1999	KIVA, owned by Rock of Talk LLC
Oklahoma City, OK	KEBC 1560	2003–2013	Tyler Media LLC
Sacramento, CA	KIID 1470	2001–2015	Punjabi American Media
San Bernardino, CA	KKDD 1290	1998–2012	Relevant Radio
Seattle–Tacoma, WA	KKDZ 1250	1997–2015	Akal Broadcasting Corporation
Bakersfield, CA	KMAP 1050	2000–2003	KJPG, owned by Relevant Radio
Monroe, LA	KMBS 1310	1997–2000	Red Bear Broadcasting Corporation
Houston–Galveston, TX	KMIC 1590	1999–2015	DAIJ Media, LLC^[60]
Phoenix, AZ	KMIK 1580	1998–2015	KQFN, owned by CRC Broadcasting Company, Inc.
Dallas–Fort Worth, TX	KMKI 620	1998–2015	KTNO, owned by Salem Media Group
San Francisco, CA	KMKY 1310	1997–2015	Akal Broadcasting
Tulsa, OK	KMUS 1380	2004–2010	Radio Las Americas, LLC
Omaha, NE	KOIL 1020	2006–2009	KMMQ, owned by NRG Media
Honolulu, HI	KORL 690	1999–2004	KHNR, owned by Salem Media Group
Kansas City, MO	KPHN 1190	2002–2013	KDMR, owned by Catholic Radio Network
Wichita, KS	KQAM 1480	2002−2010	Steckline Communications, Inc.
Grand Junction, CO	KRDY 620	1999–2000	KJOL, owned by United Ministries
San Antonio, TX	KRDY 1160	2003–2013	Salem Media Group
Little Rock, AR	KRNN 1380	1999–2003	KZTS, owned by Salem Media Group
Corpus Christi, TX	KRYS 1360	1997–2000	KKTX, owned by iHeartMedia
San Diego, CA	KSON 1240	1998–2003	KNSN, owned by Crawford Broadcasting
Salt Lake City, UT	KWDZ 910	2003–2013; 2014–2015	Defunct, ceased operations in 2017
Waco, TX	KWTX 1230	1998–2001	iHeartMedia
Duluth, MN	KXTP 970	1998–2002	WDUL, owned by Midwest Communications
Omaha, NE	KYDZ 1180	1999–2006^[61]	KZOT, owned by NRG Media
Gainesville, FL	WAJD 1390	2000–2009	Gillen Broadcasting Corporation
Middletown, NY	WALL 1340	2005–2010	Neversink Media Group, LLC
Jacksonville, FL	WBWL 600	2002–2010	WBOB, owned by Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corp.
Augusta, GA	WBBQ 1340	1999–2000	WYNF, owned by iHeartMedia
Sauk Rapids–St. Cloud, MN	WBHR 660	1998–2001	Tri-County Broadcasting
Norfolk, VA	WBVA 1450	2000–2001	Defunct, ceased operations in 2018
New Orleans, LA	WBYU 1450	2003–2011	Defunct, ceased operations in 2011^[62]
Savannah, GA	WCHY 1290	1998–2002	WTKS, owned by iHeartMedia
Greensboro–Winston-Salem, NC	WCOG 1320	2000–2010	Curtis Media Group
Albany–Schenectady–Troy, NY	WDDY 1460	2002–2013	WOPG, owned by Pax et Bonum, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA	WDDZ 1250	2011–2015	WPGP, owned by Salem Media Group
Providence, RI–New Bedford, MA	WDDZ 550	2001–2010	WSJW, owned by Relevant Radio
Zion, IL	WDDZ 1500	1998–2000; 2002	WPJX, owned by Polnet Communications
Panama City, FL	WDLP 1290	1999–2000	WPCF, owned by Faith Radio Network, Inc.
Louisville, KY	WDRD 680	2002–2010	WHBE, owned by UB Louisville, LLC
Grand Rapids, MI	WDSS 1680	2003–2008^[63]	WPRR, owned by Goodrich Radio, LLC
Atlanta, GA	WDWD 590	1996–2015	Salem Media Group
Orlando, FL	WDYZ 990	2001–2015	WTLN, owned by Salem Media Group^[64]
Hartford–New Haven, CT	WDZK 1550	1998–2010	WSDK, owned by Blount Communications
Cumberland, MD	WDZN 100.1	1998–2011	WVMD, owned by West Virginia Radio Corporation
Richmond, VA	WDZY 1290	1998–2013	Richmond Christian Radio
Poughkeepsie, NY	WEOK 1390	2005–2010	Townsquare Media
Detroit, MI–Windsor, ON	WFDF 910	2002–2015	Adell Broadcasting^[65] ^[66]
Charlotte, NC	WGFY 1480	1998–2015	Charlotte Advent Media Corporation
Long Island, NY	WGSM 740	1997–1998	WNYH, owned by Win Radio Broadcasting Corporation
Norfolk, VA	WHKT 1650	2001−2010	WJFV, owned by Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting Corp.
Providence, RI–New Bedford, MA	WHRC 1450	1997–2001	WWRI, owned by DiPonti Communications, LLC
Salisbury, MD	WJDY 1470	1999–2002	iHeartMedia
Greensboro, NC	WKEW 1400	1998–2000	Truth Broadcasting Corporation
Fulton, NY	WOSW 1300	2006–2012	Craig Fox (Foxfur Communications, LLC)
Muskegon, MI	WKBZ 1520	2001	Defunct, license canceled in 2002
Milwaukee, WI	WKSH 1640	2002–2013	WSJP, owned by Relevant Radio
Parkersburg, WV	WKYG 1230	1998–2004	WPKB, owned by Seven Mountains Media
Auburn, NY	WMBO 1340	1999–2013	Craig Fox (WOLF Radio, Inc.)
Birmingham, AL	WMKI 850	1996–1999	WXJC, owned by Crawford Broadcasting
Boston, MA	WMKI 1260	1997–2015	WBIX, owned by International Grace of God Church
West Palm Beach, FL	WMNE 1600	1999–2010	WPOM, owned by Caribbean Media Group
Miami–Fort Lauderdale, FL	WMYM 990	1999–2015	Actualidad Radio Group
Fort Myers, FL	WMYR 1410	2000−2005	Relevant Radio
Macon, GA	WNEX 1400	1999−2008	WUXL, owned by B&GRS Enterprises, LLC
Syracuse, NY	WOLF 1490	1999–2014	Craig Fox (WOLF Radio, Inc.)
Oswego, NY	WOLF-FM 96.7	1999–2006; 2009	WCIO, owned by Family Life Network
Memphis, TN	WOWW 1430	2000−2012	Flinn Broadcasting Corporation
Macon, GA	WPGA 980	1998−2008	WDDO, owned by The Glory Media Group, LLC
New York, NY	WQEW 1560	1998–2015	WFME, owned by Family Radio
Mobile, AL	WQUA 102.1	2002−2005	Family Worship Center Church, Inc.
Chicago, IL	WRDZ 1300	1998–2015	Polnet Communications^[67]
Indianapolis, IN	WRDZ-FM 98.3	2003–2015	WZRL, owned by iHeartMedia
St. Louis, MO	WSDZ 1260	1998–2015	Salem Media Group
Syracuse, NY	WSIV 1540	n/a	Craig Fox (Cram Communications LLC)
Norfolk, Virginia	WVAB 1550	2000–2001	Defunct, ceased operations in 2018
Syracuse, NY	WVOA 103.9	–2001	WSEN, owned by Craig Fox (Renard Communications Corp.)
DeRuyter, NY	WVOA-FM 105.1	2001; 2009	WCIS-FM, owned by Family Life Network
Pittsburgh, PA	WWCS 540	2001−2010	Birach Broadcasting Corporation
Philadelphia, PA	WWJZ 640	1999–2015	Relevant Radio^[68]
Tampa–St. Petersburg, FL	WWMI 1380	1999–2015	Salem Media Group
Sylvan Beach, NY	WWLF-FM 100.3	2001–2006	WMVN, owned by Craig Fox (WOLF Radio, Inc.)
Cleveland, OH	WWMK 1260	1998–2015	WCCR, owned by St. Peter the Rock Media, Inc.^[69]
Baton Rouge, LA	WYNK 1380	1998–2002	WPYR, owned by Catholic Community Radio, Inc.

HD Radio affiliates

Station	Frequency	City of license/ Market	Years affiliated	Owner
KALC-HD3	105.9-3		2017–2018	Entercom
KCYE-HD3	102.7-3		2015–2018	Beasley Broadcast Group
KFBG-HD2	100.7-2		2020–2021	Local Media San Diego
KFTK-HD3	97.1-3		2017–2018	Entercom
KGSR-HD2	93.3-2		2017–2018	Sinclair Telecable Inc.
KHMX-HD3	96.5-3		2016	Entercom
KLLC-HD3	97.3-3		2016–2018	Entercom
KLUV-HD3	98.7-3		2016–2018	Entercom
KMNB-HD3	102.9-3		2016–2018	Entercom
KOOL-HD3	94.5-3		2016–2018	Entercom
KRSK-HD2	105.1-2		2017–2018	Entercom
KRTH-HD2	101.1-2		2016–2018	Entercom
KSWD-HD3	94.1-3		2016–2018	Entercom
KUDL-HD2	106.5-2		2017–2018	Entercom
KYXY-HD3	96.5-3		2016–2018	Entercom
KZPT-HD2	99.7-2		2017–2018	Entercom
WBMP-HD3	92.3-3		2015–2018	Entercom
WELX-HD2	101.5-2		2016–2018	RAAD Broadcasting
WJBR-HD2	99.5-2		2016–2018	Beasley Broadcast Group
WKIS-HD3	99.9-3		2016–2018	Entercom
WKXC-HD2	99.5-2		2015–2018	Beasley Broadcast Group
WLLD-HD2	94.1-2		2015–2018	Beasley Broadcast Group
WLMG-HD2	101.9-2		2017–2018	Entercom
WMGV-HD2	103.3-2		2016–2018	Curtis Media Group
WMYX-HD2	99.1-2		2017–2018	Entercom
WNKS-HD2	95.1-2		2016–2018	Beasley Broadcast Group
WPTE-HD2	94.9-2		2017–2018	Entercom
WQMG-HD2	97.1-2		2017–2018	Entercom
WRVR-HD2	104.5-2		2017–2018	Entercom
WXHD-HD2	98.1-2		2016–2018	RAAD Broadcasting
WXKB-HD2	103.9-2		2016–2018	Beasley Broadcast Group
WXLX-HD2	103.7-2		2016–2018	RAAD Broadcasting
WXTU-HD3	92.5-3		2015–2018	Entercom
WXYX-HD2	100.7-2		2016–2018	RAAD Broadcasting
WZFX-HD2	99.1-2		2016–2018	Beasley Broadcast Group
WZPL-HD2	99.5-2		2017–2018	Entercom

Radio Disney History of #1s

These songs hit No. 1 on Radio Disney's Top 50 Songs from 1997 to 2020.

• 1997: Will Smith – Men in Black
• 1998: Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On
• 1999: Britney Spears – (You Drive Me) Crazy
• 2000: NSYNC – Bye Bye Bye
• 2001: NSYNC – Pop
• 2002: Avril Lavigne – Complicated
• 2003: Hilary Duff – Why Not^[70]
• 2004: Hilary Duff – Come Clean^[71]
• 2005: Bowling For Soup – 1985^[72]
• 2006: Hannah Montana – The Best of Both Worlds^[73]
• 2007: Jonas Brothers – SOS^[74]
• 2008: Jonas Brothers – Burnin' Up
• 2009: Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me^[75]
• 2010: Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris – Baby
• 2011: Selena Gomez & the Scene – Love You like a Love Song
• 2012: One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
• 2013: One Direction – Best Song Ever^{[76] [77]}
• 2014: Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea – Problem^{[78] [79]}
• 2015: Shawn Mendes – Stitches^{[80] [81]}
• 2016: Daya – Sit Still, Look Pretty
• 2017: Julia Michaels – Issues
• 2018: Marshmello & Anne-Marie – Friends
• 2019: Shawn Mendes – If I Can't Have You^[82]
• 2020: BTS – Dynamite^[83]

Albums

See main article: Radio Disney Jams series. The Radio Disney Jams series CDs are various artists compilations of music featured on Radio Disney.

International

Internationally, there are Radio Disney stations in Chile, Poland, Argentina, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. On October 21, 2010, Radio Disney launched in Brazil. From October 1, 2013, to July 28, 2022, Radio Disney was available in Russia via Disney.ru.^[84] It plans to broadcast in the Philippines and Sweden in the near future.

Latin America

See main article: Radio Disney Latin America. Radio Disney is available in Latin America via terrestrial broadcast. Similar to Radio Disney in the U.S., it broadcasts in Spanish to Argentina,^[85] Bolivia, Chile,^[86] Nicaragua,^[87] Ecuador,^[88] Guatemala, Paraguay,^[89] Uruguay,^[90] Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica,^[91] Mexico,^{[92] [93]} Peru^[94] and in Portuguese to Brazil.^[95] Radio Disney Latin America is a separate operation and won't be affected by the decision to shutter Radio Disney in the United States.

Europe

Radio Disney planned to begin broadcasting on the digital radio platform in the United Kingdom by the end of 2008.^[96] On July 6, 2007, Ofcom, the communications regulator of the United Kingdom, announced that the 4 Digital Group, a consortium headed by Channel 4 and featuring Emap, UTV, British Sky Broadcasting, Global Radio, Carphone Warehouse and UBC, had been awarded a license to run a new digital radio multiplex which would include Radio Disney as one of ten new national radio stations. On October 10, 2008, Channel 4 withdrew plans to launch 4 Digital, ending the probability of Radio Disney launching on the service.^[97]

A similar station, Capital Disney began broadcasting in 2002 on the DAB digital radio network, on Sky Digital (Digital Satellite) and various digital cable television providers in the UK. The station was a joint venture between the UK's Capital Radio Group and Disney. The idea was to use Capital Radio's programming experience to assist Disney in launching a radio station in the UK. In early 2007, both Capital Radio (by now called GCap Media) and Disney agreed to pursue different goals, and as a result, Capital Disney closed down on June 29, 2007.

See also

• Radio Disney Group
• Cumulus Media Networks (formerly ABC Radio Networks and Citadel Media)
• List of children's radio networks
• ESPN Radio
• Nick Radio (a similar radio network launched by Nickelodeon and iHeartMedia in 2013)
• Teen pop
• Bubblegum pop
• Rock music
• Hip hop music

External links

• • Former DJ Dean Wendt interview, containing info about the early days of Radio Disney
• Radio Disney on Sirius
• Radio Disney on XM Radio

Notes and References

1. Web site: America's All-Current CHR Superstation Is …. Sean. Ross. RadioInsight.com. March 30, 2018. April 2, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180403051420/https://radioinsight.com/ross/167420/americas-all-current-chr-superstation-is/. April 3, 2018.
2. News: Lafayette. Jon. Exclusive: Radio Disney Moving Off Air to Digital. August 13, 2014. August 13, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171020044003/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/exclusive-radio-disney-radiodisneymusicawards-moving-air-digital/133166. October 20, 2017.
3. August 6, 2015. Radio Disney Launches on iHeartRadio. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210206073922/https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/radio-disney-launches-iheartradio. February 6, 2021. January 27, 2021. IHeartMedia. en.
4. News: Porter. Rick. December 3, 2020. Radio Disney Shutting Down Amid Restructuring. The Hollywood Reporter. December 3, 2020. January 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210122010614/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/radio-disney-shutting-down-amid-restructuring. live.
5. Web site: Low. Elaine. December 3, 2020. Radio Disney, Radio Disney Country to End Operations in Early 2021. December 4, 2020. Variety. en-US. February 17, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210217182129/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/radio-disney-shut-down-operations-early-2021-1234845630/. live.
6. Web site: Venta. Lance. January 1, 2021. Radio Disney Begins Programming Shutdown. January 3, 2021. RadioInsight. en-US. December 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201204161053/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/202148/radio-disney-to-cease-operations/. live.
7. Web site: Annual Report 1955. University of Penn. 21, 27. American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, Inc.. April 8, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003521/http://www.library.upenn.edu/collections/lippincott/corprpts/abc/abc1955.pdf. March 4, 2016.
8. News: Did Radio Disney Steal Candy From A Startup? . businessweek . May 22, 1998 . June 2, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040317043038/http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/may1998/nf80522b.htm . March 17, 2004.
9. News: Hinman. Catherine. Kids' Radio Will Return To Central Florida. June 3, 2016. Orlando Sentinel. October 7, 1994. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160805005027/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-10-07/entertainment/9410060560_1_radio-aahs-radio-network-imagination-station. August 5, 2016.
10. News: Dretzka. Gary. Radio Disney, Defunct Station Headed To Court. June 4, 2016. Chicago Tribune. Tribune Publishing. August 21, 1998. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160803171133/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-08-21/business/9808210375_1_radio-aahs-radio-disney-abc-radio-networks. August 3, 2016.
11. News: Abbott. Jim. Disney Station May Have Radio AAHS Playing the Blues. April 12, 2021. Orlando Sentinel. May 10, 1997. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160805173220/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/aug/27/business/fi-26247. August 5, 2016.
12. News: Hochman. Steve. Radio Disney Makes L.A. Debut. June 7, 2016. Los Angeles Times. August 27, 1997. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160805173220/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/aug/27/business/fi-26247. August 5, 2016.
13. News: Sayewitz. Ronni. Radio Disney eyes doubling its stations by '99. June 8, 2016. Dallas Business Journal. American City Business Journals. August 9, 1998. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160630125600/http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/1998/08/10/story6.html. June 30, 2016.
14. News: Nancy. Churnin. What's the secret to Dallas kids' success with Disney?. June 8, 2016. Dallas Morning News. November 6, 2010. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160619100515/http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/music/headlines/20101106-What-s-the-secret-to-Dallas-4339.ece. June 19, 2016.
15. News: Radio Disney Branching into New Direction. June 10, 2016. Radio World. NewBay Media, LLC. June 23, 2003. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160630112052/http://www.radioworld.com/article/radio-disney-branching-into-new-direction/8671. June 30, 2016.
16. Web site: Kids. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20010808033543/http://www.xmradio.com:80/programming/programming_category.jsp?category=kids. August 8, 2001. February 11, 2021. XM Satellite Radio.
17. News: Martin. Roy. Capital Disney confirms closure. June 8, 2016. Radio Today. May 14, 2007. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160515103151/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2007/05/capital-disney-confirms-closure/. May 15, 2016.
18. News: Radio Aahs receives $12 million payment from ABC, Disney. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. April 26, 2004. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20110804230723/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2004/04/26/daily7.html. August 4, 2011.
19. Web site: Tommy2.net Radio Disney Archives - Page 94 of 96 . tommy2.net . October 2, 2021 . October 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211002124854/https://tommy2.net/content/?tag=radio-disney&paged=94 . live .
20. Web site: Tommy2.net Radio Disney Archives - Page 95 of 96 . tommy2.net . October 2, 2021 . October 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211002124854/https://tommy2.net/content/?tag=radio-disney&paged=95 . live .
21. Web site: Ownership Report for Commercial Broadcast Stations - FCC . February 16, 2021 . December 31, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221231020445/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1614263&Service=FM&Form_id=322&Facility_id=86619 . live .
22. News: In the Concert Hall, It Smells Like Tween Spirit . The Washington Post . William . Booth . August 6, 2006 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20161204092257/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/04/AR2006080400223.html . December 4, 2016 .
23. Web site: Radio Disney Moved Under Disney Channel Management . All Access . August 1, 2006 . August 17, 2021 . August 18, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210818000859/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/12570/radio-disney-moved-under-disney-channel-management . live .
24. News: Rosenthal. Phil. Disney in deal to merge ABC Radio with Citadel. June 7, 2016. Chicago Tribune. Tribune Publishing. February 7, 2006. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160701204224/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-02-07/business/0602070169_1_citadel-broadcasting-corp-third-largest-radio-group-radio-disney. July 1, 2016.
25. June 12, 2007 . Disney and Citadel Announce Completion of ABC Radio Merger . The Walt Disney Company & Citadel Broadcasting Corporation . Business Wire . June 7, 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160805101018/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20070612006347/en/Disney-Citadel-Announce-Completion-ABC-Radio-Merger . August 5, 2016 .
26. News: Radio Disney, Gracenote Deal Lets Kids See Lyrics While Listening Online. June 10, 2016. Radio World. NewBay Media, LLC. June 7, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160630112906/http://www.radioworld.com/article/radio-disney-gracenote-deal-lets-kids-see-lyrics-while-listening-online/20422. June 30, 2016.
27. News: Radio Disney Now on iTunes Radio. June 10, 2016. Radio World. NewBay Media, LLC. August 18, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160630110216/http://www.radioworld.com/article/radio-disney-now-on-itunes-radio/14763. June 30, 2016.
28. News: Radio Disney Focuses on Unsigned Artists. June 8, 2016. Radio Ink. October 2, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20141216081110/http://www.radioink.com/HeadlineEntry.asp?hid=143649&pt=todaysnews. December 16, 2014.
29. News: Wood. Mikael. Should grown-ups care about the Radio Disney Music Awards? These guys say yes. June 8, 2016. Los Angeles Times. April 30, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160605062251/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-radio-disney-awards-20160430-story.html. June 5, 2016.
30. Web site: Radio Disney | the Official Homepage . https://web.archive.org/web/20090422072659/http://radio.disney.go.com/ . live. March 6, 2023. April 22, 2009 .
31. News: Radio Disney Takes Six Stations Silent. June 8, 2016. All Access. January 28, 2010. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054937/http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/69932/radio-disney-takes-six-stations-silent. March 4, 2016.
32. News: Graser. Marc. Radio Disney Stations Up for Sale (EXCLUSIVE). June 4, 2013. Variety. June 4, 2013. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130609132658/http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/radio-disney-stations-up-for-sale-exclusive-1200491810/. June 9, 2013.
33. Gallo. Phil. Rick Dees to Syndicate Radio Disney Top 30 (Exclusive). Billboard. April 10, 2014. May 5, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140917042448/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/radio/6049200/rick-dees-to-syndicate-radio-disney-top-30-exclusive. September 17, 2014.
34. Gallo. Phil. Radio Disney to Sell the Majority of Its Stations. Billboard. August 13, 2014. August 13, 2014. August 13, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140816061946/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/6214509/radio-disney-to-sell-the-majority-of-its-stations. August 16, 2014.
35. Web site: Fybush. Scott. NERW Extra: No Signoffs for Disney AMs. Northeast Radio Watch. September 26, 2014. September 27, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140929013954/http://www.fybush.com/nerw-20140926/. September 29, 2014. subscription.
36. News: Venta. Lance. Salem Acquires Radio Disney's Final Five. June 8, 2016. Radio Insight. September 15, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160528034022/https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/94556/salem-acquires-radio-disneys-final-five/. May 28, 2016.
37. Gallo. Phil. Radio Disney Launches on AM/FM Push on New HD Networks. April 16, 2015. Billboard. April 13, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150417203748/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6531686/radio-disney-am-fm-hd-networks. April 17, 2015.
38. Web site: Radio Disney Added to iHeartRadio. Radio World. August 6, 2015. August 8, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150807110251/http://www.radioworld.com/article/radio-disney-added-to-iheartradio/276777#.dpuf. August 7, 2015.
39. Web site: Radio Disney Launches on iHeartRadio. Radio Ink. August 6, 2015. August 8, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150808111004/http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2958694&spid=24698. August 8, 2015.
40. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/181985/radio-disney-joins-radio-com/ Radio Disney Joins Radio.com
41. Web site: December 31, 2020. Radio Disney Ends Live Commentator Broadcasts, Leaves Sirius XM Ahead of 2021 Closure. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210103010035/https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2020/12/31/radio-disney-ends-live-broadcasts/. January 3, 2021. January 6, 2021. Laughing Place. en-US.
42. Web site: Venta . Lance . March 24, 2021 . SiriusXM Launches Disney Hits Channel . radioinsight.com . March 27, 2021 . March 25, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210325010031/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/206395/siriusxm-launches-disney-hits-channel/ . live .
43. Web site: Audacy App Launches Suite Of Disney Music Stations . August 22, 2022 . RadioInsight . August 22, 2022 . en-US . August 22, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220822140649/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/238902/audacy-app-launches-suite-of-disney-music-stations/ . live .
44. News: Ng. Philiana. Radio Disney Announces New Morning Show, Programming Shifts. June 8, 2016. The Hollywood Reporter. April 8, 2013. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160921185536/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/radio-disney-new-morning-show-433945. September 21, 2016.
45. Web site: Beatty . Sally . Disney Plans to Launch New Cable Network, Aiming Programming at Preschool Audience . The Wall Street Journal . June 21, 2001 . May 20, 2022 . May 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220520040559/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB993071891973180362 . live .
46. Web site: Entertainment Index. ABC News. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170501162127/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/. May 1, 2017.
47. Web site: Radio Disney to air scripted serial. The Hollywood Reporter. May 2, 2017. September 7, 2012. https://archive.today/20120907164716/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/music/news/e3ife5a57734af1cf19398ddcbf77ecb0a2. live.
48. News: Radio Disney Executives . November 18, 2019 . Radio Disney Press . Walt Disney Television . Phil Guerini Vice President, Music Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide and General Manager, Radio Disney Networks . April 2, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190402163840/https://www.wdtvpress.com/radiodisney/executives/ . live .
49. News: Perez . Sarah . Disney releases DisneyNow, a new app that combines live TV, on-demand, games and music . November 18, 2019 . TechCrunch . September 29, 2017 . March 27, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190327204929/https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/29/disney-releases-disneynow-a-new-app-that-combines-live-tv-on-demand-games-and-music/ . live .
50. News: Ford . Steven . You can now find Radio Disney content on Slacker Radio . November 18, 2019 . Orlando Sentinel . November 13, 2014 . October 27, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201027162858/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-slacker-radio-adds-radio-disney-content-20141113-story.html . live .
51. Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road' Was a Country Hit. Then Country Changed Its Mind. Leight. Elias. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. Rolling Stone. June 13, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190613075635/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lil-nas-x-old-town-road-810844/. live.
52. News: Radio Disney To Launch Country Channel. June 12, 2015. RadioInsight. July 17, 2017. en-US. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171231103704/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/93320/radio-disney-to-launch-country-channel/. December 31, 2017.
53. News: Yahr. Emily. This is Radio Disney Country's secret weapon for launching a new country station. November 22, 2015. The Washington Post. November 4, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20151123144716/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2015/11/04/this-is-radio-disney-countrys-secret-weapon-for-launching-a-new-country-station/. November 23, 2015.
54. Bell. Sadie. Radio Disney Country Expands to Include L.A. Stations, New Streaming Platforms. Billboard. July 17, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170720143245/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/7825685/radio-disney-country-expands. July 20, 2017.
55. News: Radio Disney Country Launches New Feature In Support Of Female Artists . November 18, 2019 . All Access . December 6, 2018 . en . January 18, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210040/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/182348/radio-disney-country-launches-new-feature-in-suppo . live .
56. News: Jesse Knutson . Jesse . Radio Disney Country opens studio on Music Row . November 18, 2019 . WTVF . July 25, 2019 . en . January 14, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200114100421/https://www.newschannel5.com/news/radio-disney-country-opens-studio-on-music-row . live .
57. News: Jacobson . Adam . TV On The Radio: Radio Disney's 'Audio' Hour, Via Sheridan . November 18, 2019 . Radio & Television Business Report . July 8, 2019 . July 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190709053650/https://www.rbr.com/tv-on-the-radio-radio-disneys-audio-hour-via-sheridan/ . live .
58. News: Radio Disney Junior Launches on Monday, February 14. June 8, 2016. All Access. February 9, 2011. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160810023949/http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/87122/radio-disney-junior-launches-on-monday-february-14. August 10, 2016.
59. Web site: Radio Disney To Launch On Up To 60 HD Radio Subchannels. RadioInsight. April 13, 2015. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160220235918/https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/92692/radio-disney-to-launch-on-up-to-60-hd-radio-subchannels/. February 20, 2016.
60. Web site: Application for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License. CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. November 5, 2014. November 5, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20141105184537/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1656186&Service=AM&Form_id=314&Facility_id=20491. November 5, 2014.
61. Web site: January 3, 2006 . Radio Disney Moving in Omaha . All Access . May 20, 2022 . May 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220520040559/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/4350/radio-disney-moving-in-omaha . live .
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63. News: Radio Disney Adds Grand Rapids. June 10, 2016. Radio World. NewBay Media, LLC. June 17, 2003. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160630122944/http://www.radioworld.com/article/radio-disney-adds-grand-rapids/8594. June 30, 2016.
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65. Web site: Radio Disney Sells WFDF/Detroit To The Word Network. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160822014048/http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/135708/radio-disney-sells-wfdf-detroit-to-the-word-networ. August 22, 2016.
66. Web site: WFDF Detroit Joins The Word Network. RadioInsight. January 21, 2015. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117203017/https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/90936/the-word-network-acquires-wfdf-detroit/. November 17, 2015.
67. Web site: Radio Disney Sells WRDZ-A/Chicago To Polnet. All Access. July 30, 2015. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305075642/http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/143974/radio-disney-sells-wrdz-a-chicago-to-polnet. March 5, 2016.
68. Web site: Prices Disclosed For Alpha-Digity, Max Media-Seven Mountains Deals; Radio Disney Sells Philadelphia Market AM. All Access. August 12, 2015. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305075653/http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/144435/prices-disclosed-for-alpha-digity-max-media-seven-. March 5, 2016.
69. Web site: Disney Sells WWMK Cleveland. RadioInsight. January 9, 2015. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150405012409/http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/91562/disney-sells-wwmk-cleveland/. April 5, 2015.
70. Web site: Radio Disney - Top 30 Countdown. Disney. January 10, 2004. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20040110110419/http://radio.disney.go.com/music/top30of2003.html. January 10, 2004.
71. Web site: Radio Disney - Music - Music - Top 30 Countdown. Disney. January 9, 2005. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20050109024310/http://radio.disney.go.com/music/top30.html. January 9, 2005.
72. Web site: Radio Disney - Music - Music - Top 30 Countdown. Disney. January 8, 2006. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20060108104658/http://radio.disney.go.com/music/top30.html. January 8, 2006.
73. Web site: Radio Disney - Music - Music - Top 30 Countdown. Disney. January 2, 2007. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20070102124252/http://radio.disney.go.com/music/top30.html. January 2, 2007.
74. Web site: Music Top 50 Countdown of 2007!. Disney. January 5, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080105030743/http://radio.disney.go.com/music/top50.html. January 5, 2008.
75. Web site: Radio Disney's Top 50 Songs of 2009. Crushable. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170517123939/http://www.crushable.com/2010/01/03/entertainment/radio-disneys-top-50-songs-of-2009/. May 17, 2017.
76. Web site: Radio Disney's Top 50 of 2013 – Disney Music. Disney. January 12, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140112115226/http://music.disney.com/radio-disney-top-50. January 12, 2014.
77. Web site: Radio Disney's Top 50 Songs of 2013 – Music. January 2, 2014. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161119184815/https://ohmy.disney.com/music/2014/01/02/radio-disneys-top-50-songs-of-2013/. November 19, 2016.
78. Web site: Radio Disney's Top 50 of 2014 – Disney Music. Disney. March 13, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150313154032/http://music.disney.com/radio-disney-top-50. March 13, 2015.
79. Web site: Radio Disney's Top 50 Songs of 2014 – Disney Playlist. December 31, 2014. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200805030055/https://ohmy.disney.com/music/2014/12/31/radio-disneys-top-50-songs-of-2014/. August 5, 2020.
80. Web site: Radio Disney Top 30 – Disney Music. Disney. January 5, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160105195700/http://music.disney.com/radio-disney-top-30. January 5, 2016.
81. Web site: Radio Disney's Top 50 Songs of 2015. January 1, 2016. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161119124919/https://ohmy.disney.com/music/2016/01/01/radio-disney-top-50-songs-of-2015/. November 19, 2016.
82. Web site: Top 30 Songs. Disney. January 4, 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200104230028/https://radio.disney.com/top-30. January 4, 2020.
83. In 2020, Radio Disney did not compile an official year-end list. Instead they posted an online “2020 #1 Songs Bracket” where fans voted on their favorite song of the year to determine which song would be the ultimate #1 of the year.
84. http://radio.disney.ru/ Радио Disney – Disney.ru
85. Web site: Radio Disney. Radio Disney LA. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170602030758/http://radiodisney.disneylatino.com/. June 2, 2017.
86. Web site: Inicio | Radio Disney Chile FM 95.3. https://web.archive.org/web/20081201004127/http://www.radiodisney.cl/. dead. December 1, 2008. cl.radiodisney.com.
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89. Web site: Radiodisney.disneylatino.com. May 2, 2017. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130306063639/http://www.paraguay.radiodisney.disneylatino.com/. March 6, 2013.
90. Web site: Radio Disney. Radio Disney LA. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120723075612/http://www.radiodisney.com.uy/. July 23, 2012.
91. Web site: Radio Disney. Radio Disney LA. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20121225120640/http://www.radiodisney.co.cr/. December 25, 2012.
92. Web site: Radio Disney ya tiene presencia en México. https://web.archive.org/web/20131006070523/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/2013/radio-disney-ya-tiene-presencia-en-mexico--955922.html. dead. October 6, 2013. El Universal.
93. Web site: Radio Disney transmitirá en México – Azteca Noticias. https://web.archive.org/web/20131006054026/http://www.aztecanoticias.com.mx/notas/entretenimiento/169965/radio-disney-transmitira-en-mexico. dead. October 6, 2013.
94. Web site: Radio Disney. Radio Disney LA. August 20, 2017. March 15, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230315210224/https://pe.radiodisney.com/. live.
95. Web site: Radio Disney Brazil . radiodisney.disney.com.br . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180103184404/http://radiodisney.disney.com.br/ . January 3, 2018.
96. Web site: Channel4.com. May 2, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160423013522/http://www.channel4.com/radio/4digital/index.html. April 23, 2016.
97. News: Never on 4. John. Plunkett. Maggie. Brown. October 12, 2008. May 2, 2017. The Guardian. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170518061920/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/13/channel4-radio-digital. May 18, 2017.