General Info

Audio Journal is Central Massachusetts' radio reading service for individuals who are print disabled. Our mission is to provide information, education and entertainment to those who, for any reason, are unable to access the printed page. We serve not only those who are totally blind, but also those who are legally blind or have any visual impairment or physical disability. A print disability prevents one from holding printed materials. Common causes include paralysis, arthritis, stroke, AIDS, mulitple sclerosis,cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease, just to name a few.

Radio Reading Services began in Minnesota in 1969 when a blind executive realized that the same technology which transmits Muzak could be used to transmit information to people with visual impairments. The Talking Information Center, a Massachusetts network of radio reading services, began in 1977 in Marshfield. Audio Journal, the Worcester affiliate, began broadcasting in 1987 with five volunteers to 300 listeners from an unused closet at the Worcester Public Library. It now reaches thousands of homes on special receivers and on cable television, with the help of over 150 volunteers.

Radio Reading Services provide the only source of current, local printed information to our listenership and act as a companion service to the Talking Book Library. The signal is carried on the secondary FM channel of WICN 90.5 FM Public Radio in Worcester.

The service broadcasts twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Local and national newspapers and magazines, plus special interest programs are read by over 150 volunteers. It broadcasts a signal which can be heard on a special receiver. These receivers are obtained by contacting us. Audio Journal is also carried on some community's public access cable TV stations. Click here to view a list.

There is no charge for our service, but receiver recipients are asked to give a donation within their means to help defray the $100 cost of the receiver. Receivers are also available on loan to provide temporary access to the service for those with a print disability due to surgery or other temporary causes. All listeners are asked to participate in our annual fund drive.

No matter what one's interest, a listener of Audio Journal can find a variety of programs that suit his or her concerns. The diverse schedule gives listeners the opportunity to be entertained and informed. Audio Journal provides the only access to current, local printed information to which all persons are entitled.

To see our full Program Guide, click on this link. To obtain a program guide in Braille, large print, or on cassette, please call 508-797-1117. Use this number also to find out how to get a special receiver delivered directly to you.