Radio Disney to sell 23 stations and layoff 200

[k5jm]

Maybe if they were on FM instead of AM in the bigger markets they would have done better...

August 13, 2014

Dear Colleagues,

Across all forms of media, digital technology continues to dramatically change consumer habits – from the iPad, mobile devices and the push of connected devices into the home – and these changes compel us to evaluate and evolve our businesses. Today, we're announcing meaningful changes to our Radio Disney business.

Radio Disney will be increasing investment in both digital distribution platforms and music-centric programming. These decisions will optimize Radio Disney for long-term growth and better reflect the habits of the consumers we serve — a national audience of kids and families. We are partnering with the most popular digital radio services including our distribution partner of over 12 years, SiriusXM, and the newly forged agreements with ShowMobile, Slacker and Harman's Aha Radio. We also have our fast growing Radio Disney App for iPhone, iPad and Android, our WATCH Disney Channel partnership and our Top 30 syndication partnership that's building across the U.S. We will also be exploring new digital extensions of Radio Disney's programming, including the Radio Disney Music Awards and Radio Disney's Next Big Thing (N.B.T.).

As part of this investment shift, at the end of September, we will be selling 23 of our 24 local radio stations, retaining KDIS-AM Los Angeles to originate Radio Disney's national network programming. The operations of the Los Angeles station will be picked up by the national team.

These changes will result in the elimination of some positions, adjustments to other roles and the addition of some new positions. Today and tomorrow, we will be talking individually to those directly affected. Please know that we approached this decision with care and rigor and will provide transition support to those who will be departing the organization.

I have always been impressed with the dedication and camaraderie of the people at the Radio Disney network and local stations. Thanks to that teamwork, Radio Disney leads the radio industry in delivering age-appropriate music and entertainment for kids and families. As we wish our colleagues all the best, we remain committed to continuing the momentum.

Sincerely,

Phil

http://www.thewrap.com/radio-disney-to-sell-23-stations-lay-off-nearly-200/

 

[jcb]

I thought AM was for airplanes.

 

[JWren1234]

I agree, I never understood the strategy of buying primarily AM stations for a music format aimed at kids and teens. And Disney paid top dollar for several of these stations at the height of the radio station buying/selling boom. If I remember correctly they bought AM 1560 in New York for $20 million+ several years ago, they will be lucky to get half that for that station when they try to sell it with the way station values have declined.

Jason

 

[k5jm]

I agree, I never understood the strategy of buying primarily AM stations for a music format aimed at kids and teens. And Disney paid top dollar for several of these stations at the height of the radio station buying/selling boom. If I remember correctly they bought AM 1560 in New York for $20 million+ several years ago, they will be lucky to get half that for that station when they try to sell it with the way station values have declined.

Jason

They also have an IBOC transmitter here in Houston, but the "Radio Disney" channel was just a server sitting on the floor of a FM Country Station. Disney had contracted Cox Radio to "operate the station" on disney's license.