Technology Options Increase Listenership at Radio Talking Book Service

Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS) (www.RTBS.org) continues to connect seniors, the blind and visually impaired, and learning disabled individuals with the printed word.

The internet stream of their radio broadcast enables RTBS to offer improved radio options for their listeners. Radio Talking Book Network (RTBN) has a new radio receiver option, RRS1100, which utilize the free-over-the-air digital TV signal (i.e. the TV signal available without cable or a dish).  These radios provide much-improved reception compared to traditional FM radios and are being placed with eligible individuals in their homes as well as in care facilities. Another new receiver option is the Metrosonix wireless internet radio—for individuals and care facilities that have access to the internet. With these new options, RTBN listenership has increased by over 4,500 individuals to date! All radio options are provided at no cost to eligible individuals or care facilities.

To increase accessibility for listeners, RTBS implemented a telephone option, AudioNow, that allows individuals to call and listen to broadcasts from their home or mobile phones.  RTBS began podcasts of their daily live newspaper reading in November 2017 and will add weekly department store and grocery ads to the podcast offerings this spring.

To volunteer or for more information, please visit www.RTBS.org or call (402) 572-3003.