Radio Talking Book Service Inc

Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS) is a nonprofit radio station that broadcasts print information statewide via radio signal and the internet. RTBS volunteers read newspapers and magazines aloud and their diverse voices are broadcast to blind, low vision, or print impaired listeners. Eligible listeners are provided radios at no cost to access our programming or are able to access it on home computers, tablets, smartphones, or smart speakers. We are in our 48th year of ensuring equal access to print media through two programs: Radio Talking Book Network, a statewide radio reading service; and Listening Link, an educational reading program. Our volunteers read the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star daily, weekly grocery and department store ads, ten regional newspapers, and we use over 70 magazines to provide additional programming. RTBS informs, entertains, and brings the printed word to life for our listeners, empowering them to remain active and engaged in their community.

With resilient and committed volunteers as well as access to necessary technology, RTBS rose to the challenges posed by the pandemic that have affected us all.  In 2022, RTBS will utilize a hybrid of in-person and remote readers to provide the vital programming our listeners rely on now more than ever.  RTBS has added new local programming in 2022, including: Mind Your Business, featuring the Midlands Business Journal and Strictly Business; Nebraska Virtual Newsstand, focused on online news sources NOISE, Flatwater Free Press, and Nebraska Sunrise News; Southeast Nebraska Newspapers, highlighting Nebraska City, Pawnee City, Falls City, and Beatrice; and most recently, the Sioux City Journal was added to our regional newspaper lineup.