Radio Disney says it’s selling most of its stations and focusing more on digital distribution — and away from broadcast.
The company plans to sell 23 out of its 24 stations, effective Sept. 26, according to officials; see the list at bottom. The one station its keeping, KDIS(AM), Los Angeles, will originate Radio Disney’s national programming. The national team will operate the facility.
The company will reduce its workforce, but hasn’t publicly disclosed the numbers other than to say some jobs will be eliminated, other positions will change and some new jobs will be added.
Radio Disney GM Phil Guerini told colleagues today that changing consumer media consumption habits “compel us to evaluate and evolve our business.”
Radio Disney will increase its involvement in digital distribution and music-centric programming; both “optimize the company for long-term growth and better reflect the habits of the customers we serve,” according to Guerini.
The company partners with digital radio services like SiriusXM and has new deals with ShowMobile, Slacker and Aha Radio. He also referenced Radio Disney’s app for iPhone, iPad and Android.
The company says it will explore new, digital extensions of Radio Disney programming.
Here is the list of stations to be sold, with Nielsen market size.
