According to Broadcasting & Cable, the Walt Disney Company is looking to sell 23 more radio stations and move its Radio Disney kids programming exclusively to digital distribution. The shift comes because young viewers have adopted satellite radio and online platforms when listening to music and other programming.
“Radio Disney will increase its investment in both digital distribution platforms and music-centric programming to optimize the network for long-term growth and to better reflect the habits of its listeners, a national audience of kids and families,” a Radio Disney spokesperson said in a statement.
The stations Disney plans to sell cover 42.2% of the country as measured by Nielsen. The biggest of the stations are in major markets including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta Houston and Detroit.
A person familiar with the situation said Disney plans to sell the stations effective Sept. 26. The sale is expected to result in layoffs of about eight people per station.
Disney will hold onto its station in Los Angeles, KDIS-AM. The national feed of Radio Disney will originate from the station.
