Radio Disney has announced that after 25 years on the air, it will cease operations in 2021.
Since launching in 1996, the station has faithfully promoted some of Disney's most well-known singers, like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, and more.
In a press statement, Disney explained that the closure had to do with "the fast-evolving media environment that provides more personalized music choices than ever," as well as "the ongoing public health crisis that continues to affect in-person music events."
The closure affects both Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country. Its Latin American division will not be affected, according to the release.
The press release went on to address the "difficult decision" surrounding the closure:
"The difficult decision to close these two radio networks coincided with Disney’s recently announced structural changes that call for Disney Branded Television to sharpen its focus on increasing production of kids’ and family content for Disney+ and Disney Channels. Division leaders also took into account the fast evolving media environment that provides more personalized music choices than ever to a generation of young consumers, and the ongoing public health crisis that continues to affect in-person music events."
Disney's business interests have been negatively impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with parks and movie theaters being shut down for months.
Last week, Disney announced that there would be layoffs of 4,000 employees by the end of March 2021, in addition to the 28,000 employees who began receiving separation notices in October 2020.
