Radio Disney
Radio Disney is a radio network based in Dallas, Texas in the United States broadcasting music and other content targeted at children. As indicated by it name, it is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The network primarily uses AM stations, and it is also available on XM Satellite Radio (channel 115) and Sirius Satellite Radio (channel 130), as well as via Music Choice on most digital cable-TV systems like DirecTV & Dish Network. KDIS is the network's flagship station.
The network was launched in 1996 as a direct competitor to Minneapolis-based Radio Aahs, which reached about 30 stations at its height. Disney had collaborated with Radio Aahs for a time prior to the launch of Radio Disney, and former Aahs owners sued for damages because of a breached agreement. In 2004, Disney paid the former Children's Broadcasting Corporation (which operated Aahs) $12.4 million.
Interestingly enough, "classic" Disney songs are rarely played on this radio network. Most of the format consists of:
- Songs currently/recently on the pop charts that are unusually popular with pre-teens (if the song has a minor amount of "adult" lyrics, such as "Get the Party Started" by Pink or "1985" by Bowling for Soup, the song simply gets edited rather than lose airplay).
- Other songs not on the pop charts that are popular with pre-teens (for example, The Hampster Dance theme).
- Songs from recent cartoons/movies made by Disney or one of its subsidiaries (for example, a Lil' Romeo rap number from the movie Like Mike). Sometimes, fairly old songs that wouldn't normally play on Radio Disney get airplay for this reason (for example, various Elvis songs played in Lilo and Stitch).
A similar station, Capital Disney [1], broadcasts on the DAB digital radio network, on Sky Digital (Digital Satellite) and various digital cable TV operators in the UK.
Station listing
The listing below is believed to be accurate as of August 2004. Despite their current standing, many of these stations have diverse histories. Many of the current call signs of Radio Disney stations are variations on the Disney name and that of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. At least one appears to be named for Goofy.
| Callsign | Frequency | Location |
|---|---|---|
| WOLF¹ | 96.7 | Syracuse, New York |
| WRDZ | 98.3 | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| KDIS | 99.5 | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| WDZN² | 100.1 | Cumberland, Maryland |
| WQUA | 102.1 | Mobile, Alabama |
- ¹ indicates multiple Radio Disney outlets in a single city
- ² W263AJ is a broadcast translator for WDZN
Albums released for the station
- Radio Disney Ultimate Jams
- Radio Disney Jingle Jams
- Radio Disney Jams Series
- Radio Disney Holiday Jams
- Radio Disney's Move It
Notes
- WQEW 1560 AM from New York City is the strongest station, operating on a clear channel frequency which allows listeners to receive the signal from hundreds or perhaps thousands of miles away at night.
- There is also a Radio Disney in Argentina which has a Latin format.
External links
You can visit the official website at radiodisney.com.