Radio Disney Will Launch an all-new edition of its “Next Big Thing” (N.B.T.)

[Press Release - Released by Disney]

Radio Disney, which Billboard magazine ranked among the Top 20 on its Maximum Exposure list of ways to get music noticed, will launch an all-new edition of its “Next Big Thing” (N.B.T.), a daily multi-platform programming feature that puts the spotlight on young recording artists and provides them with national broadcast and online exposure.   Over the course of 10 weeks, beginning WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, Radio Disney listeners will be introduced to five unsigned N.B.T. artists, age 12-17, and invited to look, listen and vote for their favorite at RadioDisney.com or by texting* “NBT” to DISNEY (347639). The highest ranked N.B.T. artist will have the opportunity to have their single featured on the upcoming Walt Disney Records’ Radio Disney Jams 12 CD.  Simultaneously, Disney Channel will present a preview of each artist and a sampling of their musical talent in interstitials hosted by Tiffany Thornton (“Sonny With a Chance”).  
Michael Riley, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Radio Disney, said: “We’re creating a fully encompassing environment to showcase great new artists on Radio Disney with further exposure on Disney Channel, Disney.com and our N.B.T. mobile website; providing a truly immersive multi-platform experience for kids and families.”
Kelly Edwards, Director of Music, Radio Disney added: “I’m thrilled to have a multi-platform opportunity to showcase such talented and musically diverse young artists who represent the Radio Disney format incredibly well.”

The showcase includes interviews and in-studio performances with a new “N.B.T.” artist introduced every two weeks. During each showcase period, each artist’s single will be on the playlist and they will co-host an hour of the Top 30 Countdown on Radio Disney and be featured in five profile segments on Disney Channel. Each artist will also have two full songs, exclusive videos, photos and bios on RadioDisney.com. Videos will also be featured on Disney.com, the N.B.T. mobile website (http://radiodisney.mobi/nbt), and Radio Disney’s YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/radiodisney).

Radio Disney is a 24-hour contemporary hits radio network and the only broadcast radio destination that serves both a kid and family audience.  Billboard magazine (September 22, 2008) cited Radio Disney at #18 among the Top 100 best ways to get music noticed. Stars who have launched multi-faceted careers with a strong assist from Radio Disney include: Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana and Ashley Tisdale.