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 47th 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 the past year. RTBS spent 2021 navigating our cadre of volunteers, functioning as remote readers since March 2020, safely back into the studios. In June, we began implementation of a reopening plan with our staff and dedicated volunteers working diligently to provide uninterrupted programming for our listeners. In September, we brought our live newspaper readers back into the studios and continue to see more faces returning to read in studio.

In 2022, RTBS will utilize a hybrid of in-person and remote readers to provide the vital, local programming our listeners rely on now more than ever. We introduced new programming including: Mind Your Business, featuring the Midlands Business Journal and Strictly Business; and Nebraska Virtual Newsstand, which highlights local online media sources like NOISE, Nebraska Sunrise News, and Flatwater Free Press. We increased our regional newspapers offerings from 10 to 14 with our new program, Southeast NE Newspapers featuring the Beatrice Daily Sun, Nebraska City News Press, Falls City Journal, & Pawnee City Republican!