Radio Disney
| File:Radio Disney logo.svg Logo used from 2002 to 2014 | |
| Company type | Radio network |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting, entertainment |
| Founded | November 18, 1996 |
| Headquarters | Burbank, California , United States |
Area served | United States (various markets) |
Key people | Phil Guerini (general manager) |
| Products | Radio programming targeting children, pre-adolescents, and teenagers; Radio Disney Music Awards |
| Owner | Disney Branded Television (The Walt Disney Company) |
| Website | www |
Radio Disney was a U.S.-based radio network managed by Disney Radio Networks under the umbrella of Disney Branded Television, with its main office located in Burbank, California. The channel catered primarily to children, pre-adolescents, and teenagers by playing contemporary hit tracks, prominently featuring young artists affiliated with Disney Music Group labels such as Hollywood Records and Walt Disney Records. Distinct from standard Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) formats, Radio Disney concentrated solely on the latest chart-toppers, deliberately excluding recurrent playlist rotations.
Originally partnering with various stations across multiple markets, Disney began reducing its terrestrial station affiliations in the early 2010s. Most owned-and-operated outlets were sold off—except for KDIS in Los Angeles—as the company shifted focus toward digital platforms and event-driven revenue streams. In 2015, the network broadened its reach through collaborations with iBiquity for HD Radio terrestrial broadcasts and iHeartRadio for online streaming. That same year introduced Radio Disney Country, a country music extension targeting a similarly youthful audience; by 2017, this format supplanted the main Radio Disney programming on KDIS, which was rebranded as KRDC.
Additionally, the network organized the annual Radio Disney Music Awards, which have been televised on Disney Channel since 2014. On December 3, 2020, Disney declared plans to discontinue both Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country by early 2021. Terrestrial broadcasts ended on April 14, 2021, when KRDC transitioned to simulcasting ESPN Radio’s KSPN 710 AM. Subsequently, KRDC was sold and now operates under new ownership as KWVE.
Background
Disney’s foothold in the music industry—rooted in its cinematic and television successes—developed into what is now known as the Disney Music Group. However, its radio ventures were initially limited to a handful of programs. Radio Disney represented Disney’s third significant foray into radio broadcasting. In late 1955, Walt Disney introduced The Magic Kingdom radio program, which aired on weekdays via ABC Radio. Before the 1996 merger between Disney and CC/ABC, there had been early discussions dating back to 1991 about launching a children’s radio network through ABC Radio; however, these plans were eventually abandoned. On July 31, 1994, Disney initiated a weekend show titled Live From Walt Disney World, broadcast simultaneously from both Disneyland and Disney World on Radio AAHS.
In November 1995, ABC Radio Networks entered into an agreement with Children's Broadcast Corp., taking over marketing and sales responsibilities for Radio AAHS. After acquiring CC/ABC, Disney instructed ABC Radio to terminate this partnership in August 1996. At that time, it announced its own children’s radio network and revoked Radio AAHS’s rights to broadcast from Disney World locations. This strategic move marked Disney’s commitment to establishing a proprietary children’s radio presence.
ABC Radio Networks (1996–2006)
Radio Disney commenced test broadcasts at 5 am on November 18, 1996, initially covering four markets: Minneapolis, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Birmingham, Alabama, under the management of ABC Radio Networks. A fifth test market was added on March 8, 1997, in Seattle via the former KidStar station KKDZ.
Following encouraging feedback from these trials, ABC Radio Networks announced on May 8 plans for a nationwide launch set for October 1. On August 26 of that year, Radio Disney began airing in Los Angeles on KTZN/710 AM and had expanded to include 14 affiliates by the end of the year.
By August 1998, the network had grown to encompass 28 affiliate stations with ambitions to reach up to 63 by late 1999. In August of that year, Radio Disney acquired KAAM (AM) in Plano, Texas for $12 million and converted it to their programming format. At that time, operations were centralized at their Dallas station.
Programming extended beyond music to include shows such as "Mickey & Minnie's Tune Time," a two-hour weekday segment aimed at toddlers. The schedule also featured hourly contests as well as segments like "ABC News for Kids." From July through September 2003, the network launched the Project Family Initiative to promote family-oriented programming and events.
Radio Disney expanded onto satellite platforms with launches on XM Satellite Radio in 2001 and Sirius Satellite Radio in 2002. Additionally, it formed a joint venture to operate Capital Disney—a digital radio channel in the United Kingdom—from 2002 until June 29, 2007. In 2004, Disney settled a $12.4 million lawsuit connected with the former Children's Broadcasting Corporation.
In April 2002, the network refreshed its logo and website design while adopting the tagline "Your Music, Your Way" by May.
On July 30, 2003, ABC Radio Networks established the Radio Disney Group to oversee most of its affiliated stations.
Marking its tenth anniversary in 2006, Radio Disney replayed its inaugural hour of programming on June 6 across select stations including WQEW. Celebrations included the "Totally 10 Birthday Concert" held on July 22 at Anaheim’s Arrowhead Pond, which was simultaneously webcast live online. A follow-up concert took place on November 18 at the Dallas Convention Center.
Disney Channels Worldwide Era (2006–2014)
In August 2006, the responsibility for Radio Disney's operations was shifted to the Disney–ABC Cable Networks Group (now known as Disney Channels Worldwide), which oversees all of Disney's cable television assets except for ESPN.
On June 12, 2007, Disney separated ABC Radio Networks and merged it with Citadel Broadcasting to form Citadel Communications, while retaining ownership of the ESPN Radio and Radio Disney networks.
By March 2008, Radio Disney collaborated with Gracenote to introduce on-screen song lyrics within its Internet Radio Player. Later that year in August, the station began streaming live content via iTunes Radio. In November 2008, Radio Disney moved its headquarters from Dallas to Los Angeles.
The network debuted the Next Big Thing initiative on October 8, 2008, aimed at showcasing emerging unsigned talent. The Radio Disney Music Awards made their television debut on Disney Channel in 2013.
Starting in 2009, Radio Disney began scaling back its station presence to concentrate on major metropolitan areas for enhanced profitability. In January 2010, it sought FCC approval to temporarily silence six stations pending their sale. That same year, Disney sold six AM stations and one FM station. By June 2013, an additional seven stations in mid-sized markets were divested to sharpen focus on the top-25 radio markets.
On April 10, 2014, the Radio Disney Top 30 Countdown transitioned into a syndicated program distributed by Rick Dees’ Dees Entertainment. Midway through 2014, online distribution agreements were also established with Aha Radio, Slacker, and ShowMobile.
Transition to HD Radio and Digital Platforms (2014–2020)
On August 13, 2014, Phil Guerini, Radio Disney’s general manager, revealed plans to sell all but one owned-and-operated station by September 26, 2014. This move was intended to prioritize programming content, co-branded events, and digital platform growth. Data indicated that most of Radio Disney’s audience accessed content via satellite or digital means rather than traditional AM/FM radio, which accounted for only 18% of listenership. KDIS remained as the flagship station while others continued broadcasting until their respective sales were completed. The final five stations were sold on September 15, 2015, to Salem Media Group for $2.225 million.
On April 13, 2015, Disney announced that Radio Disney would transition to HD Radio subchannels through iBiquity partnerships with broadcasters such as CBS Radio, Entercom, and Cumulus Media. Advertising sales were handled by the HD Radio Digital Network. This strategy targeted families listening in vehicles; however, these agreements quietly ended after a few years. Additionally, on August 6, 2015, Radio Disney expanded its digital footprint by launching on iHeartRadio.
On November 25, 2019, a new agreement with Entercom brought both Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country onto the company’s Radio.com platform as part of an enhanced digital distribution effort.
Decline and Closure (2020–2021)
On December 3, 2020, Disney announced plans to discontinue both Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country by early 2021 as part of a strategic refocus on television programming and its streaming service Disney+. The station KRDC was placed on the market for sale. Live broadcasts and SiriusXM transmissions of Radio Disney ended on December 31, 2020. At noon that day, Radio Disney Country ceased operations while KRDC reverted to airing the main Radio Disney feed. Starting January 1, 2021, KRDC abandoned its Top 40 format in favor of an automated playlist featuring music spanning its entire 24-year history. The official shutdown of the Radio Disney app and website occurred on January 22; broadcasting via iHeartRadio concluded by March. Terrestrial broadcasts serving Greater Los Angeles persisted until April 14, 2021—when they were quietly terminated and replaced with a simulcast of sister station KSPN (AM). The final track aired was “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
Although no longer operational as a radio network, Radio Disney’s Instagram and Twitter accounts remain active primarily to promote upcoming Disney films and television series available on Disney+.
Services introduced after 2021
On March 25, 2021, Disney debuted Disney Hits exclusively on SiriusXM, offering a channel dedicated entirely to music from The Walt Disney Company's productions.
By August 2022, Disney collaborated with Audacy Inc. to unveil nine more Disney-branded audio stations accessible through the Audacy app alongside Disney Hits. These new channels encompass jazz, sing-along selections, decade-specific playlists for the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, "Disney Reimagined," a Spanish-language station, a Disney Channel music channel, and an LGBTQ-focused "Disney Pride" channel. Plans were also in place to introduce additional stations later in 2022, including one featuring Christmas music.
Programming
Radio Disney combined tracks from Disney Channel performers with popular pop and R&B artists, broadcasting edited versions of Top 40 hits to maintain content appropriate for younger listeners.
Former Radio Disney programs
- The Wakey Blakey Show – Hosted by Blake Kuhre between 2007 and 2013, this was Radio Disney's most enduring and popular morning program, airing weekdays from 6 AM to noon Eastern Time. Kuhre also acted as Executive Producer during a peak era for Disney Channel franchises.
- Fearless Everyday – Led by entrepreneur Alexa Curtis, this program addressed subjects such as social media influence and mental health awareness.
- #ICYMI – Short for In Case You Missed It
- 1 Hour of Nonstop Music – A commercial-free segment featuring continuous music.
- More Music Monday – Mondays dedicated to uninterrupted music without commercials.
- Morning Update
- Radio Disney Country Spotlight
- Radio Disney Insider Show
- Really Good Time – Presented by DJ Lela B, this show highlighted dance tracks and remixes; she also hosted the Weekend Warm-Up.
- The Radio Disney Top 3 – Hosted by Morgan Tompkins, this segment featured the three most requested songs daily with listener prize opportunities.
- TBT Top 3
- Radio Disney's Top 10 (previously the Top 30 Countdown) – The longest-standing countdown program showcasing the week's most requested songs. Reduced from 30 to 10 tracks in 2016, it occasionally aired special year-end editions and featured various guest hosts by 2018.
- Connect Family – Formerly known as Family Fun Day, hosted by Ernest "Ernie D." Martinez and Blake Kuhre; this show involved families through interactive discussions and contests.
- For the Record with Laura Marano – A weekly series documenting Marano’s career beginnings; concluded in April 2016.
- Frequency Jam – A Friday night music voting program hosted by Ernest "Ernie D." Martinez or Blake Kuhre; ended in February 2007.
- Morgan & Maddy in the Morning – Morning show hosted by Morgan Tompkins and Maddy Whitby starting April 2013.
- Nate and Megan in the Morning – Morning broadcast led by Nate and Megan.
- Move It Party – Weekend program hosted by Morgan Tompkins and Maddy Whitby.
- Playhouse Disney – Initially titled "Mickey and Minnie's Tune Time" (1998–2001), this weekday show targeted preschool audiences with music, storytelling, and trivia contests. Hosted by Robin, Tina, B.B. Good’s Jonas Brothers, Susan Huber, and Betsy; it aired from noon to 1:00 pm Eastern during the school year.
Serialized radio programming
In July 2010, Radio Disney introduced its inaugural scripted series titled My Dream, a contemporary narrative modeled after the style of 1940s radio serials. Departing from the conventional 15 to 30-minute episode length, My Dream was composed of 90-second installments broadcast multiple times throughout each day. The storyline followed Daphne Blunt portraying a 14-year-old aspiring musician confronting typical adolescent experiences.
Programs and competitions
Radio Disney featured a range of interactive contests and informative shows aimed at actively involving its listeners.
Final programming highlights
- Music Mailbag – A weekly Saturday program lasting an hour, where audiences cast votes via phone lines, the website, or later Twitter to either "Pick It" or "Kick It," influencing which fresh tracks were added to the station’s playlist.
- 60 Seconds With (artist) – Brief one-minute interview clips and celebrity guest segments.
- Grand Prize Drawing – Extended contests spanning several weeks, offering prizes such as vacations or opportunities to meet well-known artists; participants earned entries through standard or enhanced "super entries" (equivalent to 100 entries).
- Planet Premiere – Sessions where artists spoke with hosts Ernest "Ernie D." Martinez or Candice Huckeba about new songs or albums prior to their broadcast.
- Power Prize – Distributed at least six times daily, this prize included a super entry plus an extra reward for contest victors, implemented following adjustments in prize distribution.
- Radio Rewind – Callers identified songs played in reverse; once guessed, the track was played forward to confirm the answer.
- Sound File – Weekly segments providing updates on emerging music and artists featured during the Top 10 Countdown.
- Super Entry – Contest winners received 100 entries toward grand prize drawings (originally set at 40 entries).
- TBT Top 3 – The Throwback Thursday Top 3 showcased recent nostalgic hits; listeners called in to guess three songs and win prizes.
- Title Text – DJs offered the initial letters of each word in a song title for callers to identify (e.g., C, S, T, F representing Can't Stop the Feeling).
Discontinued programs
- ABC News for Kids Notebook – Child-friendly news updates and segments sourced from ABC News Radio.
- Aptitude Dude – Character voiced by Squeege.
- Backwards Bop – Contest where participants guessed tunes played in reverse.
- Battle of the Cities – Trivia competition pitting callers from various cities against each other, hosted by Mark and Zippy.
- Bumbling Bill's Safety Spotlight – Safety-focused segment starring Bumbling Bill and Sally (Susan Huber); concluded in early 2006.
- Celebrity Take with Jake – Pre-recorded celebrity news focusing on actors and musicians popular among the target audience.
- Code Word of the Day – Frequent giveaways awarded to callers who correctly identified the daily code word; discontinued in mid-2017.
- ESPN Sports for Kids – Sports news combined with health advice tailored for children.
- Garage Door Derby – A race-style contest where callers reported on garage door status; hosted by DJ Aaron K.
- Gross Me Out – Segment centered around topics appealing to children’s interest in gross or unusual subjects.
- Hairbrush Karaoke – Singing competition conducted by DJ Susan Huber; ended upon her departure.
- Hogwarts or Hogwash – True/false quiz on Harry Potter trivia, hosted by DJ Aaron K.
- Incubator – Interviews featuring up-and-coming music artists during commercial breaks.
- Karaoke – Singing contest held by former DJ Kara Edwards.
- Laugh Shack – Broadcast of jokes submitted by listeners across the network.
- Let's Make a Deal – Satirical game show hosted by Mark and Zippy.
- NBT (Next Big Thing) – Annual competition launched in 2008 highlighting emerging artists with listener voting; hosted by Jake Whetter.
- Theatre of the B-zarre – Segment featuring odd and unusual themes with Dr. B and Critter; ended mid-2006.
- The Adventures of Bud and Iggy – City identification game involving two lost characters; discontinued in 2003.
- The Answer is Always "C." – Multiple-choice quiz designed for guaranteed winners with predictable answers.
- The State Game – Listeners guessed U.S. states based on clues provided; hosted by B.B. Good and Sherry.
- Thinkenstein: 2000 – Technology-centered segment featuring Dr. Thinkenstein (voiced by Clint Ford) alongside his assistant I.gor ("E-dot").
- Your Music, Your Way a.k.a. Your Music & Your Stars, Your Way'
Radio Disney Music Awards
Between 2001 and 2019, Radio Disney organized the annual Radio Disney Music Awards to recognize popular music performers featured on its platform. Teen audiences voted to determine winners across categories like Best Female Artist, Best Male Artist, Best Music Group, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. Hilary Duff holds the distinction of receiving the most awards, with 21 wins and 35 nominations. The ceremony was suspended during 2009 to 2012 and again in 2020 and 2021.
Radio Disney World Tours
In 2000 and 2001, Radio Disney conducted two "world tours" spanning prominent U.S. cities such as Atlanta, New York City, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. These tours showcased rising stars alongside Radio Disney DJs, performing in venues accommodating audiences of up to 2,000 attendees per event.
Radio Disney Networks
Radio Disney Networks operates as a division of Disney Channels Worldwide under Walt Disney Television, which is part of The Walt Disney Company's Media Networks unit. Based in Burbank, California, it manages three digital channels: Radio Disney, Radio Disney Country, and Radio Disney Junior. The flagship station targets preteens and young teens with a contemporary hit radio format centered on teen idols. It is recognized as a monitored reporter on Nielsen-BDS and Mediabase Top 40 charts.
The Radio Disney Junior channel was introduced through the Watch Disney Junior app in August 2014. Later, on November 4, 2015, Radio Disney Networks launched Radio Disney Country—an internet station dedicated to country music. In September 2017, Disney merged its television and radio content into the DisneyNow app. Since November 2014, Radio Disney programming has been accessible on Slacker Radio.
Radio Disney Country
Radio Disney Country was an internet radio network specializing in country music that debuted on November 4, 2015, initially available exclusively via Radio Disney’s digital platforms. Its playlist combined current chart-toppers with a mix of contemporary and classic tracks from well-known artists, including pop songs featuring country elements. The format embraced crossover hits from genres like rock, hip-hop, and pop; for example, it aired Lil Nas X’s "Old Town Road" in 2019. The launch coincided with the 2015 CMA Awards and focused on current hits with limited recurrent play.
On June 9, 2017, distribution expanded to include digital platforms such as iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Apple Music, and Spotify. Additionally, terrestrial broadcasts commenced when KDIS transitioned to KRDC at 99.1 FM/1110 AM in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the primary Radio Disney network remained locally available via a KRTH subchannel until late 2018.
Key initiatives included the December 2018 introduction of the Let the Girls Play segment aimed at promoting female artists and the establishment of a Nashville Music Row studio in July 2019. That same month saw a licensing agreement with Sheridan Broadcasting for web telestreaming and radio simulcasting under the name The Radio Disney Hour.
Catering primarily to women aged 18 to 34, the network’s playlist was composed roughly of 60% established performers and 40% emerging acts. Radio Disney Country discontinued operations on December 31, 2020.
Radio Disney Junior
Radio Disney Junior debuted on February 14, 2011, as a programming block paired with the Disney Junior television segment, aimed at preschool audiences through music and "audio theater" featuring characters from Disney Junior. On May 30, 2014, it evolved into an independent channel available on the WATCH Disney Junior app, which later switched to a subscription-based model in January 2016 before ultimately shutting down. A related successor, Disney Jr. Radio, launched on the SiriusXM platform on October 1, 2024.
Programming
- Magical World of Disney Junior – songs from Disney and Pixar films
- Pirates & Princesses – curated themed music
- Get Up and Move – emphasis on health and fitness
Stations
Radio Disney's network was predominantly broadcast via AM stations, with most affiliates either owned by The Walt Disney Company or managed through local marketing agreements. The final independently operated affiliate, WOLF (AM) in Syracuse, New York, ended its affiliation in February 2014.
In addition to terrestrial broadcasts, Radio Disney was accessible nationwide through XM Satellite Radio and Sirius (now SiriusXM). It was also offered at Walt Disney World resorts on selected television channels.
On August 13, 2014, Disney revealed intentions to divest all remaining Radio Disney stations except for KDIS to focus on digital platforms. KDIS continued as the source station for network programming under centralized national management. Following this change, Radio Disney broadened its reach by partnering with HD Radio subchannels for syndication.
A gray background highlights stations directly operated by The Walt Disney Company.
| Media market | State | Station | Affiliated | Disaffiliated | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | Alabama | WMKI | 1996 | 1999 | |
| Mobile | Alabama | WQUA | 2002 | 2005 | |
| Phoenix | Arizona | KMIK | 1998 | 2015 | |
| Little Rock | Arkansas | KRNN | 1999 | 2003 | |
| Little Rock | Arkansas | KDIS-FM | 2003 | 2013 | |
| Bakersfield | California | KMAP | 2000 | 2003 | |
| Fresno | California | KAVT | 2000 | 2008 | |
| Los Angeles | California | KDIS | 1997 | 2003 | |
| Los Angeles | California | KDIS | 2003 | 2017 | |
| Los Angeles | California | KRDC | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Sacramento | California | KIID | 2001 | 2015 | |
| San Bernardino | California | KKDD | 1998 | 2012 | |
| San Diego | California | KSON | 1998 | 2003 | |
| San Francisco | California | KMKY | 1997 | 2015 | |
| Denver | Colorado | KADZ | 1998 | 2003 | |
| Denver | Colorado | KDDZ | 1998 | 2015 | |
| Grand Junction | Colorado | KRDY | 1999 | 2000 | |
| Hartford–New Haven | Connecticut | WDZK | 1998 | 2010 | |
| Fort Myers | Florida | WMYR | 2000 | 2005 | |
| Gainesville | Florida | WAJD | 2000 | 2009 | |
| Jacksonville | Florida | WBWL | 2002 | 2010 | |
| Miami–Fort Lauderdale | Florida | WMYM | 1999 | 2015 | |
| Orlando, Florida | Florida | WDYZ | 2001 | 2015 | |
| Panama City, Florida | Florida | WDLP | 1999 | 2000 | |
| Tampa–St. Petersburg, Florida | Florida | WWMI | 1999 | 2015 | |
| West Palm Beach, Florida | Florida | WMNE | 1999 | 2010 | |
| Atlanta, Georgia | Georgia | WDWD | 1996 | 2015 | |
| Augusta, Georgia | Georgia | WBBQ | 1999 | 2000 | |
| Macon, Georgia | Georgia | WNEX 1999 2008 |
HD Radio Affiliates
Charlotte, North Carolina#Media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area#Charlotte media market area [[Fayetteville, North Carolina\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville\Fayetteville ]] Greensboro, North Carolina\Greensboro Greenville, North Carolina Portland, Oregon ||Oregon Philadelphia ||Pennsylvania Bayamon || rowspan=4 |Puerto Rico Isabela, Puerto Rico Lajas, Puerto Rico Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico Memphis, Tennessee ||Tennessee Austin, Texas || rowspan=3 |Texas Dallas–Fort Worth Houston Norfolk–Virginia Beach ||Virginia Seattle ||Washington (state) Milwaukee ||Wisconsin| Market | State/Territory | Station | Frequency | Affiliation Start | Affiliation End | Licensee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Arizona | KOOL-HD3 | 94.5-3 | 2016 | 2018 | Entercom |
| Los Angeles | California | KRTH-HD2 | 101.1-2 | 2016 | 2018 | Entercom |
| Oakland–San Francisco | KLLC-HD3 | 97.3-3 | 2016 | 2018 | Entercom | |
| Sacramento | KUDL-HD2 | 106.5-2 | 2017 | 2018 | Entercom | |
| San Diego | KYXY-HD3 | 96.5-3 | 2016 | 2018 | Entercom | |
| Denver | Colorado | KALC-HD3 | 105.9-3 | 2017 | 2018 | Entercom |
| Wilmington | Delaware | WJBR-HD2 | 99.5-2 | 2016 | 2018 | Beasley Broadcast Group |
| Fort Myers | Florida | WXKB-HD2 | 103.9-2 | 2016 | 2018 | Beasley Broadcast Group |
| Miami | WKIS-HD3 | 99.9-3 | 2016 | 2018 | Entercom | |
| Tampa | WLLD-HD2 | 94.1-2 | 2015 | 2018 | Beasley Broadcast Group | |
| Augusta | Georgia | WKXC-HD2 | 99.5-2 | 2015 | 2018 | Beasley Broadcast Group |
| Indianapolis | Indiana | WZPL-HD2 | 99.5-2 | 2017 | 2018 | Entercom |
| New Orleans | Louisiana | WLMG-HD2 | 101.9-2 | 2017 | 2018 | Entercom |
| Minneapolis–Saint Paul | Minnesota | KMNB-HD3 | 102.9-3 | 2016 | 2018 | Entercom |
| Kansas City | Missouri | KZPT-HD2 | 99.7-2 | 2017 | 2018 | Entercom |
| St. Louis | KFTK-HD3 | 97.1-3 | 2017 | 2018 | Entercom | |
| Las Vegas | Nevada | KCYE-HD2 | 102.7-2 | 2015 | 2017 | Beasley Broadcast Group |
| KCYE-HD3 | 102.7-3 | 2017 | 2018 | Beasley Broadcast Group | ||
| New York City | New York | WBMP-HD3 |
Entercom | |||
| rowspan=4 |North Carolina | WNKS\WNKS-HD2 |
Beasley Broadcast Group | ||||
| WZFX\WZFX-HD2 |
Beasley Broadcast Group | |||||
| WQMG\WQMG-HD2 |
Entercom | |||||
| WMGV\WMGV-HD2 | ||||||
| KRSK\KRSK-HD2 |
Entercom | |||||
| WXTU\WXTU-HD3 |
Entercom | |||||
| WXYX\WXYX-HD2 |
RAAD Broadcasting | |||||
| WELX\WELX-HD2 |
RAAD Broadcasting | |||||
| WXLX\WXLX-HD2 |
RAAD Broadcasting | |||||
| WXHD\WXHD-HD2 |
RAAD Broadcasting | |||||
| WRVR\WRVR-HD2 |
Entercom | |||||
| KGSR\KGSR-HD2 |
Sinclair Telecable Inc. | |||||
| KSPF\KLUV-HD3 |
Entercom | |||||
| KHMX\KHMX-HD3 |
Entercom | |||||
| WPTE\WPTE-HD2 |
Entercom | |||||
| KSWD (FM)\KSWD-HD3 |
Entercom | |||||
| WMYX-FM\WMYX-HD2 |
Entercom |
Radio Disney Chart-Toppers Through the Years
The following tracks achieved the number one spot on Radio Disney's Top 50 Songs list spanning from 1997 until 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
- 2004: Hilary Duff – Come Clean
- 2005: Bowling For Soup – 1985
- 2006: Hannah Montana – The Best of Both Worlds
- 2007: Jonas Brothers – SOS
- 2008: Jonas Brothers – Burnin' Up
- 2009: Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me
- 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
- 2014: Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea – Problem
- 2015: Shawn Mendes – Stitches
- 2016: Daya – Sit Still, Look Pretty
- 2017: Julia Michaels – Issues
- 2018: Marshmello & Anne-Marie – Friends
- 2019: Shawn Mendes – If I Can't Have You
- 2020: BTS – Dynamite
In a move reflecting increased digital interaction, Radio Disney transitioned in 2020 from its customary year-end countdown to an online “#1 Songs Bracket,” allowing fans to vote for their favorite track.
Albums
The Radio Disney Jams collection comprises compilation albums featuring a variety of artists whose songs have been broadcast on Radio Disney.
International Presence
Radio Disney maintains operations beyond the United States, with stations across Chile, Poland, Argentina, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. The network expanded into Brazil on October 21, 2010. Additionally, from October 1, 2013, until July 28, 2022, Radio Disney was accessible in Russia through Disney.ru.
Latin America
Within Latin America, Radio Disney delivers terrestrial broadcasts in Spanish to countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru. Portuguese-language programming serves Brazil. This regional branch operates independently of the U.S. division and was not impacted by the cessation of U.S. services.
Europe
Plans were made for Radio Disney to debut on the UK's digital radio platform by late 2008. On July 6, 2007, Ofcom granted a license to the consortium known as the 4 Digital Group—led by Channel 4 and incorporating partners such as Emap, UTV, British Sky Broadcasting, Global Radio, Carphone Warehouse, and UBC Media Group. Radio Disney was intended to be among ten new national stations. However, Channel 4's withdrawal from the project on October 10, 2008, halted these plans.
A related initiative named Capital Disney began broadcasting in the UK in 2002 via DAB digital radio and digital television platforms. This joint effort between Capital Radio Group and Disney utilized Capital Radio's programming expertise to establish a UK presence. By early 2007 both organizations redirected their priorities, resulting in Capital Disney's closure on June 29 of that year.
See also
- Radio Disney Group
- Cumulus Media Networks (previously known as ABC Radio Networks and Citadel Media)
- List of children's radio networks
- ESPN Radio
- Nick Radio (a comparable network introduced by Nickelodeon and iHeartMedia in 2013)
- Teen pop
- Bubblegum pop