Radio Reading Service
The Radio Reading Service of WFSU provides a service for people in the community who are unable to use printed materials due to visual impairment or physical disability. Funded by the Florida Department of Education, the Radio Reading Service employs community volunteers to read local newspapers over a special radio station.
Local and National Programming
Listeners hear The Tallahassee Democrat, The Wakulla News, The Gadsden County Times, The Perry News-Herald and the Franklin Chronicle, among other local papers. From the national In-Touch Network they hear: The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Barron's, Parents Magazine, Ebony and many others. A complete program schedule is available on this website.
Access to the Radio Reading Service
If you can pick up a radio signal, you can hear the Radio Reading Service. WFSU-FM lends sub-channel radios to qualified individuals. Anyone can listen to our local programming online .
DOWNLOAD RRS Receiver Application (PDF)
Eligibility
Anyone with a visual impairment or physical disability that makes reading difficult is eligible to receive this service. Certification of the impairment or disability is required either through the Talking Books Library, the Division of Blind Services, a doctor or nurse, or from a staff member of a health or social service agency. Contact WFSU for an application. Applications are also available at local offices of the Division of Blind Services and the Florida Institute of Rehabilitative Education.
The Readers
Volunteers are the backbone of the Radio Reading Service. Volunteers observe live broadcasts, train by working with seasoned readers, and start as substitutes. They generously donate from two to three hours a week to reading on the air.
DOWNLOAD Volunteer Application Form (PDF)
Contact
For more information on receiving the Radio Reading Service or becoming a volunteer, please call (800) 829-8809, ext. 366 or locally, (850) 487-3170 ext. 366. You can also email reading@wfsu.org or visit our contact page.
