Capital Disney: Difference between revisions

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{{More citations needed|date=November 2017}}

{{Infobox Radio_station

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}

| name = Capital Disney

{{Infobox radio station

| image = [[Image:capitaldisney.png]]

| name = Capital Disney

| area = [[United Kingdom]]

| logo = CapitalDisneyLargeLogo.PNG

| slogan = Your Music, Your Way!

| city =

| airdate = [[October 12]],[[2002]]

| area = [[United Kingdom]]

| frequency= [[Digital audio broadcasting|DAB]], [[Sky Digital (UK)|Sky Digital]], [[Digital cable]] and [[Online]]

| branding =

| format = Pre-Teen and Chart

| airdate = {{start date and age|2002|09|16|df=yes}}

| owner = [[GCap Media]]

| last_airdate = {{end date and age|2007|06|29|df=yes}}

| website = [http://www.capitaldisney.com www.capitaldisney.com]

| frequency = [[Digital Audio Broadcasting|DAB]]<br>[[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky Digital]]: 0175<br>[[Virgin Media]]: 960<br>and [[Online]]

| format = 7 - 13 Year Old Music & Chart

| power =

| erp =

| class =

| callsign_meaning =

| former_callsigns = Cube

| owner = [[GCap Media]] PLC<br>[[The Walt Disney Company]]

| sister_stations = [[Capital London|95.8 Capital FM]]<br>[[Capital Gold]]

| webcast =

| website = www.capitaldisney.co.uk

}}

'''Capital Disney''' iswas a [[Digital radio in the United Kingdom|British digital]] [[radio station]] aimed at 87 to 1613 year olds. Itwhich broadcastsused to broadcast across the UK on [[DAB Digital Radio]] (in selected areas). Capital Disney launched on 16 September 2002 as a joint venture between [[GCap Media]] PLC and [[The Walt Disney Company]]. It iswas also broadcast on [[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky Digital]], [[HomechoiceTalkTalk TV|Tiscali TV]], [[Telewest]] andVirgin [[NTLMedia]], and streaming online. The station announced on 14 May 2007 that it would close down on 29 June 2007.<ref name="Closedown">{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.1956 |title=Capital Disney confirms closure |accessdate=2007-05-14 |date=2007-05-14 |publisher=Radio Today |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092705/http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.1956 |archivedate=2007-09-29 }}</ref>

Capital Disney was one of the first radio stations in the country to use the newly developed [[Digital Audio Broadcasting|Digital radio (DAB)]] format to provide a radio station specifically aimed at children and teenagers. The station broadcast twenty four hours a day with a series of presenter and music led programming.

==About Capital Disney==

Capital Disney is owned by [[GCap Media]] PLC (previously being owned by [[Capital Radio]] PLC before the company merged with GWR Group PLC) and is based at GCap Media's London offices in [[Leicester Square]].

==Background==

The station broadcasts twenty four hours a day with a series of presenter and music led programming.

In 1998 the Capital Radio Group announced plans to launch a kids-only format radio station, bidding for the North East England FM licence (which was won by [[Galaxy North East|Galaxy 105-106]]). Called Fun Radio it was to be a pop station aimed at 7-13 year olds. Despite this failure Capital still had hopes of launching this station, at the time a brand new format for an underserved audience.

The station was originally launched as Cube. Capital Radio and the [[Walt Disney Company]] struck a deal in February 2002 which allows [[Capital Radio]] to manage a British version of the American service, [[Radio Disney]], on some of its digital platforms. The station launched on the 12th October 2002.

===The Cube===

Current presenters on the radio station include: James Beckingham, Matt James, Allan Lake, Nigel Mitchell, Adam O'Neill, Saffron Oddy, and Tim Lichfield.

The station aired in 2001 under the name of ''Cube'' (the name originally chosen for [[Century Digital|Century London]]) in several regional areas of [[England]] and [[Wales]] with a purely new pop music format aimed at young teens. It was seen as a competitor to [[GCap Media|GWR Group's]] [[Core (radio station)]], which launched two years earlier. Because Cube was on DAB, at the time very few people listened to the service. Cube was noted for its high tempo music-driven formula, coupled with live DJs (A rarity for digital radio- most were [[voicetracked]]) and humorous and informative short clips in between the music (Such as 'How Does a Piano Work?') designed to create a learning environment, possibly to curb outside criticism that Cube was just a mindless music station. It shared studio space with [[Capital Life|Life]] and [[Century Digital|Century London]] and shared Kevin Palmer as the senior manager.

==The ConceptHistory==

In February 2002, Disney announced a joint venture with Capital Radio to create and develop Capital Disney, replacing Cube.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shah|first1=Saeed|title=Capital and Disney plan children's radio station|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/capital-and-disney-plan-childrens-radio-station-9161944.html|accessdate=June 8, 2016|work=Independent|date=4 February 2002}}</ref> Capital Disney started broadcasting on 17 October 2002.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Day|first1=Julia|title=Disney radio aims to cash in on pester power|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/oct/16/broadcasting.digitalmedia|accessdate=June 8, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=16 October 2002}}</ref>

Capital Disney was one of the first radio stations in the country to use the newly developed [[DAB]] [[Digital Radio]] format to provide a radio station specifically aimed at Children and Teenagers.

It was announced in May 2007 that Capital Disney would close down in June 2007 after five years airing. A statement on the Capital Disney website told that 'both parties (GCap Media and The Walt Disney Company) had agreed to pursue their interests individually.'<ref>{{cite news|last1=Martin|first1=Roy|title=Capital Disney confirms closure|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2007/05/capital-disney-confirms-closure/|accessdate=June 8, 2016|work=Radio Today|date=14 May 2007}}</ref>

In 1998 the Capital Radio Group announced plans to launch a kids-only format radio station, bidding for the North East England FM licence (which was won by [[Galaxy 105-106]]). Called Fun Radio it was to be a pop station aimed at 8-16 year olds. Despte this failure Capital still had hopes of launching this station, at the time a brand new format for an underserved audience.

A number of petitions were started by fans of the station arguing against its closure but these were ultimately unsuccessful.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}

The station aired in 2001 under the name of '''Cube''' in several regional areas of [[England]] and [[Wales]] with a purely new pop music format aimed at young teens. It was seen as a competitor to [[GCap Media|GWR Group's]] [[Core]], which launched two years earlier. Because Cube was on DAB, at the time very few listened to the service, so it began broadcasting on [[Sky Digital (UK)|Sky Digital]]. Cube was noted for its high tempo music-driven formula, coupled with live DJs (A rarity for digital radio- most were [[voicetracked]]) and humorous and informative short clips in between the music (Such as 'How Does a Piano Work?') designed to create a learning environment, possibly to curb outside criticism that Cube was just a mindless music station.

Capital Disney started to leave DAB multiplexes across the UK in June 2007, in most areas being replaced with [[Traffic Radio]] or [[XFM]]. The final DAB MUX to lose Capital Disney was London [[CE Digital]], with Capital Disney being switched off shortly after 1{{nbsp}}pm on 29 June 2007. In an unintentional move, the final song played by Capital Disney on this DAB MUX was [[McFly]] with their cover of [[Queen (band)|Queen]]'s ''Don't Stop Me Now''.

Cube closed down in 2001, only to relaunch as '''Capital Disney'''. The name chosen as it is a station operated by [[Capital Radio]] and co-owned with [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] UK. This co-operation reveals itself on-air with promotions such as [[Disney on Ice]] and promotions for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney_Channel Disney Channel] on television. The jingles at the time of re-launched simply sang the new station's name before changing in 2004, adding the slogan '''Your Music, Your Way!'''.

Due to an operational freeze at Sky, Capital Disney remained on air until July 2007, however, with the original name of 'Cube', as the Walt Disney Company had agreed with GCap Media to only contract their name until June 2007.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}

==The Playlist==

Capital Disney plays a range of chart music and new acts. Artists which can often be heard include [[Britney Spears]], [[Rachel Stevens]] and [[McFly]]. Talking Story books for pre-school children can also be heard during school hours when the station would otherwise be playing non stop music. They also play artists that haven't got any airplay on mainstream radio such as [[The Lovebites]] and album tracks from artists that appear on the playlist.

The website remained for a short time after presenters were taken off air, but this also closed on the same day, replaced by a message and redirect to London's Capital Radio website.

Overnights Capital Disney plays non-stop hits, however previously to this overnights was the home of non-stop [[chillout]] music. This ceased in 2003- now this type of music can be heard on sister station [[Chill (radio station)|Chill]].

13 years after Capital Disney’s closure, the American [[Radio Disney]] would later cease operations as well in early 2021.

==Awards==

In its short time on air, the station has won a prestigious industry award and was nominated for another.

In 2004, the station won the [[NTL]] Digital Radio station of the year award.

In 2005, the station was nominated for and won the [[Sony]] Radio Academy award 'Digital Terrestrial Radio Station' of the year, against [[BBC]] 6 Music and BBC 7. The judges noted that,

''"Capital Disney gives every appearance of filling a genuine gap in the market with a professional and entertaining service directly meeting the needs of an under-served audience."''

==The Playlist==

In 2006, Capital Disney was nominated for the [[Sony]] Radio Academy 'Digital Terrestrial Radio Station Of The Year' award. Planet Rock, another [[GCap Media]] station, was presented with the award. The judges noted that, "Capital Disney continues to be warm, funny and inventive without ever patronising its target audience. It is a station of great charm."

Capital Disney played a range of chart music and new acts. Originally, talking story books could be heard often during school hours, but were replaced by non-stop music from 9{{nbsp}}am until 1{{nbsp}}pm and then a DJ, James Beckingham, from 1 to 4{{nbsp}}pm, under the name of "Daytime". They also played artists that didn't get any airplay on mainstream radio such as [[The Lovebites]] and album tracks from artists that appeared on the playlist.

Overnight, Capital Disney played non-stop hits, however previously to this overnight was the home of non-stop chillout music. This ceased in 2003 and later this type of music could be heard on sister station [[Chill (radio station)|Chill]].

==Slogans==

'''2003''' ''The Station for 21st Century Hits''

==Presenters==

'''2004''' ''Your Music, Your Way!''

The final line up of presenters at closure was Adam Morris, known on air as The General, James Beckingham, Matt James, Val Mellon, Leigh Purves, [[Nigel Mitchell]], Andrew Rendle, known as Radio Rendle, Adam O'Neill, Saffron Oddy and Sophie Bruce. Previous presenters on the station have included Allan Lake, Tim Lichfield, known as Tiger Tim, Korry Denison, Andy Kench, Dan Marsh, Kelli Nelson, Will Chambers, Carl Carter and Gema Ensenat.

==Broadcasters==

[[Image:capital_radio_london.jpg|thumbnail|right|260px|The [[Capital Radio]] building in [[Leicester Square]], [[London]], from which Capital Disney is Broadcast.]]

'''[[DAB]] [[Digital Radio]]:'''

*[[Bath]] and [[Wiltshire]]

*[[Greater London]]

*[[Leicester]]

*[[North-East England]]

*[[North West England|North-West England]]

*[[Nottingham]]

*[[South Hampshire]]

*[[South Wales]] and [[Severn Estuary]]

*[[Swindon]]

*[[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]]

*[[Yorkshire]]

==Awards==

'''Television Service Providers:'''

In 2004, the station won the [[NTL Ireland|NTL]] Digital Radio station of the year award.

*[[HomeChoice]] Channel: 648

In 2005, the station was nominated for and won the [[Sony]] Radio Academy award 'Digital Terrestrial Radio Station' of the year, against [[BBC]] 6 Music and BBC 7. The judges noted that,

*[[NTL]] Digital Channel: 889

''"Capital Disney gave every appearance of filling a genuine gap in the market with a professional and entertaining service directly meeting the needs of an under-served audience."''

*[[Sky Digital (UK)|Sky Digital]] Channel: 0175

*[[Telewest]] Channel: 960

== Current Schedule ==

'''Monday - Friday'''

:00:00-06:00 - Your Music Your Way

:06:00-09:00 - Up! with James Beckingham

:09:00-16:00 - Daytime on Capital Disney

:16:00-19:00 - Hometime with Matt James

:19:00-23:00 - In On The Lake with Allan Lake

:23:00-00:00 - Your Music Your Way

In 2006, Capital Disney was nominated for the [[Sony]] Radio Academy 'Digital Terrestrial Radio Station Of The Year' award. Planet Rock, another [[GCap Media]] station, was presented with the award. The judges noted that, ''"Capital Disney continues to be warm, funny and inventive without ever patronising its target audience. It was a station of great charm."''

'''Weekends'''

==References==

:00:00-08:00 - Your Music Your Way

{{reflist}}

:08:00-12:00 - The Weekend Wakeup with [[Tim Lichfield]]

:12:00-13:00 - Funday Times Most Requested

:13:00-17:00 - [[Nigel Mitchell]]'s Afternoon Thing

:17:00-20:00 - Adam's Nothing on TV Radio Show!

:20:00-23:00 - Saffron's Sleepover Requests

:23:00-00:00 - Your Music Your Way

==External links==

* [http://www.gcapmedia.com GCap Media PLC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827174556/http://gcapmedia.com/ |date=2008-08-27 }}

* [http://www.capitaldisney.co.uk Capital Disney]

* [http://www.gcapmedia.com GCap Media PLC]

{{GCap Media}}

[[Category:Radio stations in the United Kingdom]]

[[Category:Defunct radio stations in the United Kingdom]]

[[fr:Capital Disney]]

[[Category:Radio Disney]]

[[Category:GCap Media]]

[[Category:British brands]]

[[Category:Radio stations established in 2002]]

[[Category:Radio stations disestablished in 2007]]