What is Typically Broadcast on a Radio Reading Service

A radio reading service aims to broadcast things that are not readily available in other formats. Local and national newspapers are a big part of what is read. An individual needing large-print text when reading is not going to easily be able to get a newspaper in this format. The same is true for someone who reads using Braille. It would take too long to transcribe the newspaper into Braille and still have the news be timely and current. Here are some common features of a radio reading service:

• Almost all sections of the newspaper can be read. People want to hear the day's news, sports, TV listings, and featured columns, such as Dear Abby.

• The reading of the grocery advertisements and obituaries are of high interest to people. Many people tape the broadcasts of the grocery ads so they can play them back again, get the details, and make a grocery list from them.

• A reading service can broadcast the reading of popular magazines such as Time, Good Housekeeping, Reader's Digest, and U.S. News & World Report.

• A reading service does not usually broadcast the reading of non-fiction books and novels. Since audio books have become so popular with the general public today, it is usually possible to find a large selection of these at a local bookstore.

• Other specialized broadcasts are aired at different times of the day and night. These programs can focus on health issues, travel, or technology, and can even include the broadcasting of comedy shows. These types of broadcasts are not live, are not done by the volunteers, and are often purchased from another media network or source.

• Listeners receive a monthly program schedule sent out by the radio reading service. This listing of programs can be sent out in large-print or Braille if the listener requests it in one of these formats.