Disney Channel

Miss me, my blogger bugs?!!

I hope not because I'm back & today we're talking about television and how Disney has used television as an outlet of technological advance as well!

"The Disney Channel is probably the best run of all the businesses at Disney,"  -Richard Bilotti, a Morgan Stanley analyst

With the success of the character Mickey Mouse and his friends, Walt Disney Productions knew that in order to keep their brand fresh in everyone's minds and popular, they believed they had to bring their materials from the studios onto TV. Thus, this lead to the creation of Disney Channel!

                  

                             Logo from 1997 to 2002                                                                                        Logo from 2002 to today

Click on either logos to check your local listings today!


Brief History: Sticking by their brand, Walt Disney Productions launched their very first family-oriented cable channel in April 1983. The channel originally aired shows that emphasized family value issues and goals and in the beginning, included TV series such as "The Baby-Sitters Club," "Flash Forward," and "Vault Disney" and many more. While they focused largely on families as their main audience, the original shows that were aired were also geared towards younger children. It wasn't until 1997 that Disney Channel began to target preteens and older children. While still airing family-oriented shows, Disney began to create more shows such as "Bug Juice," "Jett Jacksons," and more. Around 2001, Disney noticed that their ratings had increased due to the creation of many of the new preteen shows and discovered that less viewers tuned in for the classic Disney programs. On September 16, 2002, "Vault Disney" and the original classic Disney programs had been discontinued and Disney Channel focused primarily on its new original programming such as "Lizzie McGuire," "Even Stevens," and many more, which targeted teenagers and an overall older crowd. In 2007, Disney Channel scrapped up many of its re-runs that aired regularly and dedicated its channel to creating new episodes of many more original programmings and has remained that way up until today.

 

Some of the most popular preteen shows on around 2001

What makes it so successful: While Disney Channel has found fans from all ages, many still can't seem to wrap their finger around what exactly the phenomenon is. People are curious as to what draws young and older viewers alike to the programs. According to Anne Sweeney, president of the Disney Channel Worldwide and of the ABC Cable Networks Group, she gets her answers from her 10 year old son. She states, "Kids his age were dabbling with MTV but feeling it was too old for them and they weren't enjoying shows for much younger kids." Because Disney Channel offers shows from all ages, I personally believe that's where they get all their viewers and success. Each age group has an appropriate set of programs that are friendly for their age group and airs at a time when they are most present in front of the TV set. Ultimately I believe what makes Disney Channel so successful is that different variety of shows it has to offer along with the young cast it promotes. Because the stars of the shows are similar in age to the viewers, it makes a lot easier for viewers to relate with. In addition, ever since Disney has began creating their own originals, it has generated fans specifically to their brand.    

How technology has aided the success and evolved over the years: Disney Channel was originally a premium cable channel, meaning viewers actually had to pay a separate fee to subscribe to this specific cable channel. Walt Disney Corp. created Disney Channel under a premium cable channel in order to generate revenue. Disney also took a risk to discover just how demanding their channel would be. However, it worked to Disney's advantage. According to CNN Money's Julia Boorstin, she reported that in 2003 Disney Channel's margins was 50%. This meant that Disney Channel generated about half of the Disney cable networks' $1 billion operating income last year alone. In other words, Disney Channel has proved to be one of Disney's largest cash cows. Success with technology can be accredited to 1997 when Disney although was making profit from setting Disney Channel as a premium cable channel, decided to direct their attention towards a basic cable channel. By converting to a basic cable channel, they do lose money from subscribers, but at the same time it has aided them into gaining more recognition and fans from all over the world and not just the U.S.  

One of the most successful preteen shows Disney Channel has seen, Hannah Montana

I'll be back soon enough, TOODLES, until next time!

Sources:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2003/09/29/349896/index.htm
http://articles.latimes.com/1990-12-09/business/fi-8388_1_disney-channel
http://allyourdisneychannelneeds345.blogspot.com/2009/06/hannah-montana-jakeanother-little-piece.html

Radio Disney

Hello my little blogger bugs !
These lyrics sound familiar?

"I can show you the world, shining, shimmering splendid."

"Under the sea, darling it's better, down where it's wetter, take it from me."

"It means no worries for the rest of your days, It's our problem - free philosophy. Hakuna Matata!"

Without the technological creation of the radio, there would be no Radio Disney. These lyrics and songs would have only been available when the movies were actually playing. As technology improved, Disney kept up right alongside with the addition of Radio Disney!

Click here to try Radio Disney for yourself!

Brief History: Launched on November 18, 1996, (Mickey Mouse's birthday), Radio Disney played music primarily from their Disney original productions. It was created because of the legacy Disney has when it comes to music! Also, Disney wanted to give children their own radio station, where they could listen to music more appropriate for their age group (ages 6 to 14). It initially promoted many popular oldies and eventually opened up to the "Top 40" stations, which included artists such as Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, and more. The radio station like most radio stations featured music, alongside prize giveaways for ages 12 and under, and even in-studio interviews. As of 2012, today Radio Disney features music from Disney's own productions and films, alongside many a large selection of music from Disney Channel's stars and shows, and also many Top-40 songs, which are made more "kid-friendly." As technology improved, radio's accessibility in the cars and on the go, helped Disney extend their musical talents far more than just CD's and live performances. 

Radio Disney helped promote many Disney Channel's

stars by playing their music, such as the cast of High School Musical

What makes it so successful: According to FMQB, Jill Casagrande, radio programmer on Radio Disney, believes success comes from parents who know that Radio Disney is branded and owned by Walt Disney Co. They can trust that the music on Radio Disney will always be kid friendly! I agree because modern day radio stations feature music that has explicit language and promotes many promiscuous lifestyles. Therefore, I believe parents can trust that Radio Disney will play music that are parents approved for their children. In addition, Radio Disney is very accessible, whether from there 42 radio stations available on both FM and AM channels, or from the internet, or from a digital cable provider. I think because Disney sticks so strongly to their brand towards children, their radio station would prove no different!

How technology has aided the success: With the introduction of radio, Radio Disney was able to offer music from original productions promoting the popularity of original soundtracks from movies and TV shows alike. Another one of the main improvements from technology is being able to stream live music online. Being able to play Radio Disney whenever someone wanted, without being in a car or watching a Disney movie helped generate the success of streaming music online. According to Radiodisney.com, because Radio Disney does not have channels for every city in every state, for example, Washington D.C, the ability to stream Radio Disney online has attracted more listeners and fans. Alongside streaming music online, Disney has also relied on subscription radio and TV to promote Radio Disney. For example, Radio Disney is available on Sirius XM Radio and a few other Digital Cable providers. Also, Disney was able to rely on Radio Disney to promote many of Disney Channel's stars and their music. By attracting the same audience, it easier to promote new music and new soundtracks, because there is already a large fan base.

Radio Disney also promotes LIVE performances, including Selena Gomez's Who Says

I'm out until next time, my little blogger bugs !

Sources:
http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=438849
http://disney.go.com/radiodisneybeta/