Paying a Fond Farewell To Radio Disney

There’s less than a month left in the year, but 2020 continues to do 2020 things. And apparently it’s been saving it’s toughest hits for last, because this one stings pretty hard. After 25 years on the air, Radio Disney will cease operations in early 2021.

It’s a blow to the industry and listeners alike, as Radio Disney’s impact over the years was nothing short of legendary. Ask any Millennial and they probably have a distinct memory involving Radio Disney.

I can distinctly remember calling into the station as a kid, coming this close to getting on air and winning the contest they were running. And then my mom needed the phone. (This was the early-2000s, my friends. Remember fighting for the landline?)

Radio Disney was known for its dedication to its listeners, relying on them to pick the songs that shaped its playlists. No station on the air encouraged young people to listen to the radio more than Radio Disney. For as dedicated as they were to their audience, Radio Disney also proved to be key to artists. The station fostered the development of talents who are household names today, from Ariana Grande to Shawn Mendes to Camila Cabello. The station eventually became so popular that it was able to create its own awards show. Free of the “politics” of most music awards shows, the RDMAs was one of the most fun nights of the year, and we here at Young Hollywood could always count on some good times on the red carpet!

Then, in 2015, Radio Disney Country was born, creating yet another launchpad for young artists – particularly young women. Country radio is a hard place for female artists to thrive, as traditional FM stations tend to favor more established, usually male artists. In 2019, women accounted for just 10% of airplay on country radio. Things were different over on Radio Disney Country. In December of 2019, while Billboard’s Country Airplay chart featured no women in the Top 20 on the December 8 and December 15 lists, and only one female artist in the weeks following, the top 12 tracks on RDC’s January 14 playlist were either recorded entirely by women or had a female voice featured as a guest.

The good news is, progress is being made. More and more stations are bucking the idea that their playlists should only feature one or two female artists. Still, it’s slow goings, and there is still a ways to go to get to equality. Radio Disney Country was a pioneer, and its absence, along with that of its predecessor, will likely be felt immediately.

We’ll miss you, Radio Disney. We’ll never forget you.