After two decades, Walt Disney company is shutting down Radio Disney.
Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country will close in the first quarter of 2021.
Streaming music is playing a big role in closing down the radio stations.
And much of this stems from Covid-19. The health crisis has hurt Disney. Last month alone, they posted a net loss of $2.8 billion. This has caused them to lay off tens of thousands of workers.
Disney's executive leaders are saying, “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,” the company said in a statement. “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.
One thing that stands out to me is the fact they are willing to change what is dated and pursue fresh, new messaging and content. Rather than holding on to something that is no longer valid, they are embracing the new methods and approaches of entertainment.
As children's ministry leaders, we must constantly be monitoring our programs, events, classes and more.
And we must ask what is working?
What is not working?
Are we stuck in a rut?
What do we need to stop doing?
What is outdated?
What should we focus on?
It's never easy to change something that worked in the past. But the key word is "past." What got you where you are today, probably won't take you where you need to go for the future.
The reason Disney stays on the cutting-edge is because they are willing to let go of things that are no longer effective and venture into hew waters. As children's ministry leaders, we must be in the same posture.
And during the current crisis is a good time to initiate changes. With all of damage the pandemic has caused, people are open and willing to try new avenues of ministry.
Your turn. How is the pandemic affecting your ministry? Are you closing some parts of your ministry? How are you being strategic with your allotted budget during this time? How are you focusing on the mission of the church?
Share your thoughts and input in the comment section below.
p.s. Do you have a copy of the book "If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry." Lots of great insight and ideas from how Disney operates. You can get it at this link today.
