Radio Disney Joins Ford Sync Dashboard

1-1-15

Radio Disney along with AccuWeather are putting themselves in the drivers seat of the connected car trend. Both are now offering their apps in a partnership with the Ford Sync's AppLink. AccuWeather will offer commuters hyper-localized weather forecasting in-dash and the Radio Disney smartphone app will stream 24/7 to the connected car. Both will be demoed at this years CES in Las Vegas opening January 6th. Disney is forging ahead with its plan to move Radio Disney to a digital only product following the company's 2014 announcement it would be selling most of its radio stations.

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Disney Sells WDYZ Orlando

12-15-14

Salem will add its fourth station in Orlando with a $1.3 million purchase of 990-AM WDYZ. In Orlando, Salem owns Conservative Talk ?660 The Answer? WORL, Christian Preaching 950 WTLN, and Business Talk 1520 WBZW. Disney had originally paid $5 million for that AM which it now selling for $1.3 million. Back in August Disney announced it would be selling off 23 of its 24 stations to focus more on digital distribution.

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Slacker Adds Radio Disney

11-12-14

We've heard all about how Radio Disney is making plans to move out of radio to focus on digital. Slacker Radio is expanding its selection of stations with Radio Disney. The three new stations on Slacker will include Radio Disney, Radio Disney Junior and Radio Disney's Top 30 Countdown. Radio Disney VP/GM Phil Guerini says, ?Radio Disney wants to be everywhere our listeners are, and that?s increasingly on digital services like Slacker Radio. Teaming up with Slacker was a natural move, and will allow our audience to access their favorite Radio Disney music and programming in a whole new interactive, customizable and easily accessible way.?

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What Is Radio Disney Selling?

8-13-14

Looking for an AM radio station to complement your cluster? Radio Disney has 23 of them now for sale. Here's a complete roster of  the AM stations Radio Disney is putting on the block September 26. The list includes WQEW in New York City, WRDZ in Chicago, WWJZ in Philadelphia, and KMKI in Dallas. A quick check with some of our broker friends helped us discover that a New York AM just sold for $10 million, one in Dallas for $2 million, and another in Houston for somewhere between $2 and $3 million. 

NEW YORK, NY -  WQEW-AM
CHICAGO, IL - WRDZ-AM
PHILADELPHIA, PA-  WWJZ-AM
DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX -  KMKI-AM
SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-SAN JOSE, CA - KMKY-AM
BOSTON (MANCHESTER), MA - WMKI-AM
ATLANTA, GA - WDWD-AM
HOUSTON, TX -  KMIC-AM
DETROIT, MI -  WFDF-AM
PHOENIX, AZ -  KMIK-AM
SEATTLE-TACOMA, WA - KKDZ-AM
TAMPA/ST. PETERSBURG/SARSOTA, FL - WWMI-AM
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN - KDIZ-AM
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE, FL - WMYM-AM
DENVER, CO - KDDZ-AM
ORLANDO-DAYTONA BEACH-MELBOURNE, FL - WDYZ-AM
CLEVELAND-AKRON (CANTON), OH - WWMK-AM
SACRAMENTO-STOCKTON-MODESTO, CA -  KIID-AM
ST. LOUIS, MO  - WSDZ-AM
PORTLAND, OR -  KDZR-AM
PITTSBURGH - WDDZ-AM
CHARLOTTE, NC - WGFY-AM
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - WRDZ-FM

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Radio Disney to Focus On Digital Distribution

8-13-14

On Wednesday Radio Disney announced it plans to sell 23 of its 24 stations with Los Angeles being the only market the company holds on to. Twenty-two of the stations are AM and one is FM. The company will be discussing the sale of the stations with all prospective buyers. As a result, jobs will be lost and the Radio Disney brand will be distributed through satellite radio and digital platforms.

Radio Disney?s General Manager, Phil Guerini, issued the following note to Radio Disney staff on Wednesday:

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

(8/14/2014 1:52:12 AM)
Sorry ladies and gentlemen... But when one of the best run companies in the world, the Walt Disney Company, throws in the towel on AM radio... well, that says it all. Sadly, radio and especially AM radio, are in the sunset of their lifespan.
(8/13/2014 3:03:38 PM)
Do the lucky buyers get the IBLOCK transmitters?
(8/13/2014 3:02:02 PM)
As the radio industry continues to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic, religious broadcasters praise the Lord for all the new opportunities of those AMs.

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Brooke Taylor Joins Radio Disney

4-18-14

Taylor has been named on-air anchor of nights and weekends at Radio Disney, effective April 28.  Taylor will relocate to Radio Disney's Burbank headquarters from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where for the past two years she's covered the midday shift and was content director at CHR "Hot 107.9" WJFX-FM. Taylor started her career as a nighttime personality at WYKS-FM in Gainesville.

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Dees And Disney In Syndication Deal

4-8-14

Radio Disney and Dees Entertainment have announced a new distribution agreement whereby Dees will distribute the Radio Disney Top 30 to radio stations. Dees Entertainment distributes content owned by Rick Dees. The company syndicates over 50 hours of content each week, including five editions of the Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown show to over 1,000 affiliates worldwide. 

The three-hour Radio Disney Top 30, hosted by on-air personality Ernest "Ernie D" Martinez, originates from Radio Disney's Burbank studios. The program showcases music and entertainment that's relevant to kids, tweens, and families, and includes exclusive news and artist and celebrity interviews both in-studio and from sets and special events.

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TuneIn Adds Radio Disney

9-19-13

Live radio streaming service TuneIn has joined in a strategic partnership with Radio Disney, and will air its 24/7 programming for kids, tweens, and families. TuneIn CEO John Donham said, "TuneIn strives to make the best content available to people regardless of where they are. With Radio Disney on TuneIn, millions of people can enjoy some of the best family-friendly programming available, for free."

Radio Disney VP/GM Phil Guerini added, "By aligning with TuneIn, we're nog only able to offer our listeners a pioneering service, but also to broaden the reach of our stations even further."

Radio Disney is heard on the air in such markets as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas. To listen on TuneIn, search "Disney" on the TuneIn app or go to www.tunein.com/radiodisney.

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Talovic Promoted At Radio Disney

6-4-13

Alyssa Talovic has been promoted to Director of Digital Marketing from her previous post of Senior Manager of Digital Marketing at Radio Disney. Talovic will work with key stakeholders and new/existing partners in developing Radio Disney's digital marketing strategy to further elevate and expand its regional and national profile. Prior to joining Radio Disney, Talovic was Digital Account Director at Universal Music Group.

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Variety: Seven Radio Disney Stations For Sale

6-4-13

Getting iPod-addicted kids to listen to the static-filled AM radio band has got to be challenging. So, much like Cox did last year, Disney is letting the market know it has properties it's ready to shed. Disney has been in a cost-cutting mode (and price-raising mode at its parks) According to Variety, six AM stations and one FM are on the market. The stations are located in Albany, New York; Kansas City, Little Rock (the only FM), Milwaukee, Richmond, Salt Lake City and San Antonio. Radio Disney also operates 24 stations in top 25 markets which are not part of this plan
?In the past year, we?ve driven new content delivery and ad sales revenue opportunities with Radio Disney Junior and the Radio Disney Music Awards, among others initiatives, and we intend to build on those opportunities while keeping our organization strong and focused on serving our listeners with programming that entertains and is appropriate for kids- and families,? said Phil Guerini, VP, programming and general manager, Radio Disney, in a statement.

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Radio Disney Hires Jennifer Hansen To VP Ad Sales

1-10-2013
Hansen will be responsible for sales at Radio Disney?s 31 owned stations. She most recently served as Executive Director of Sales, Radio Disney Stations Group. Hansen joined Radio Disney in 2000 as Station Manager for Radio Disney Cleveland.

In 2004, she was promoted to Regional Director overseeing operations for Radio Disney stations across the Northeastern United States, and in 2009 expanded her role to include management of the Local Activation Sales Group. Prior to joining Radio Disney, Hansen served as Regional Sales Manager for AMFM Broadcasting (now Clear Channel) in Montgomery, Alabama. 

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Ivan Heredia Joins Radio Disney

7-2-2012

Heredia has been named Vice President of Marketing for Radio Disney which puts him in charge of all of Radio Disney's national and local marketing. Heredia joins Radio Disney from Nickelodeon/Viacom Media Networks' Kids & Family Group where he was Director of Music and Talent, overseeing music-based properties including "Kids' Choice Awards," "Big Time Rush," "Victorious" and "iCarly."

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Slacker Adds Former Disney Exec to Board

2-9-2012

Slacker has added Steve Wadsworth (pictured), a former senior executive at The Walt Disney Company to its Board of Directors. Wadsworth spent 17 years at Disney where he was a pioneer for the company?s digital media and technology business. Wadsworth said, ?Interaction is a key component to the Slacker listening experience. Slacker is taking a unique approach to radio by combining excellent content discovery with personalization on a growing collection of available platforms. The opportunity to join Slacker?s Board of Directors is an honor.?
Slacker CEO Jim Cady said, ?Expanding Slacker to provide an unrivaled range of music, entertainment and news is a top priority for 2012. We are eager to have Steve lend us his expertise on the Board as we further develop the Slacker listening experience.?

Wadsworth?s career with Disney includes more than 11 years as Disney?s chief executive overseeing Internet and digital media. In his most recent role, Wadsworth served as president of Disney Interactive Media Group, where he led the global creation and delivery of entertainment and lifestyle content across digital and interactive media platforms.

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Changes at the Top of Disney

2-2-2012

Sean Cocchia is promoted to the new role of Senior Vice President, Business Operations and General Manager for Disney Channels Worldwide. Cocchia has been with Disney since 1998 and was most recently Senior Vice President and General Manager, Radio Disney. Phil Guerini (pictured) has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager, Radio Disney, who Guerini succeeds in the role. 

Guerini, whose experience spans marketing, promotions, records and radio, has been Vice President, Marketing, Radio Disney, since October 2008.  He joined Disney in 1992, holding roles of increasing responsibility at Walt Disney Records and Disney Parks & Resorts.

As the leader of Radio Disney, Guerini's new responsibilities will include strategic direction and daily management of the network which is available nationally via 31 owned terrestrial radio stations and via RadioDisney.com, Sirius and XM satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, mobile phones, the Radio Disney iPhone and Android Apps and Radio Disney's Facebook page.  Radio Disney's Programming, Marketing and Finance teams will report to Guerini, and the Radio Disney Stations Group will have a dual report to Guerini and to Disney Media Sales and Marketing.

In his new role, Cocchia (pictured right) will work with Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, on crafting strategic direction and optimizing business operations for the burgeoning portfolio of brands serving kids and families across multiple platforms:  Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior and Radio Disney. Cocchia will also oversee the group's interactions with Walt Disney International, the Finance and Distribution teams and with Disney ABC Television Group's Franchise Management group on new business models and opportunities.

From 2008-10, Cocchia was Senior Vice President, Business Planning and Development, Disney Channels Worldwide. He was previously Vice President, Business Development (2005-08) and Executive Director, Business Management (2004-05) for Disney Channel U.S.  Cocchia joined Disney in July 1998 as a Senior Analyst in its Strategic Planning area. He previously served as an investment banking analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston's Media and Telecommunications Group. Cocchia graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.

Prior to joining Radio Disney, Guerini was Executive Director, Broadcast & Strategic Marketing, Walt Disney Records (2004-08).  He transitioned to that role after 12 years (1992-2004) at Disney Parks & Resorts where he was most recently Senior Manager Synergy/Alliance Marketing Senior Manager Synergy/Alliance Marketing and Talent Relations.  Prior to joining Disney, he was in various marketing and promotions jobs at EastWest Records (1991), Chrysalis Records (1990-91), MCA/A&M Records (1988-90) and an on-air personality, promotion manager and program director at WHYI, WSHE and WLGA radio stations (1983-88).  He began his career as a staff writer for The Miami Herald (1983-85).  Guerini graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast/Communications.

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14,000 Attend Tom Joyner Disney Event

The 2011 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion was held this past weekend at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention. Over 14,000 attendees had  exclusive access to select theme parks, concerts, seminars and other festivities. Performers included the Oscar and Grammy Award winning Jennifer Hudson, Brian McKnight, Keith Sweat, Keith 'Babyface' Edmonds, and a teen-only "Swagged Out" concert with Soulja Boy, Mindless Behavior, Trevante, Hamilton Park, Da Pretty Boyz  and  Dai and Nyte. Diggy Simmons, son of music mogul Russell and Kimora Simmons, performed to room full of screaming fans during the Friday Night Teen Club Party.

The Celebrity Golf Tournament, hosted by Tom Joyner and R&B great Eddie LeVert, featured such top names as Dr. Catana Starks, the first female head coach of an NCAA Division One men's golf team at Tennessee State University, a historically black college,  Jim Thorpe, the PGA Tour and Champions Tour veteran and Roland S. Martin, TJMS Analyst & CNN Contributor. Allstate Insurance Company did its part for helping to keep students in college with its "Quotes for Education" program.  Allstate is donating $10 to the Tom Joyner Foundation for anyone who gets an insurance quote.

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