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We’re celebrating 50 years of WKAR Radio Reading Service for our mid-Michigan community! Providing news, information, and entertainment to those with trouble seeing or reading the printed word.

Originally launched as The Radio Talking Book on October 1, 1973, WKAR Radio Reading Service celebrates 50 years on the air serving the mid-Michigan community.

Thank you to the financial supporters and the hundreds of volunteer readers connecting listeners to the world through the WKAR Radio Reading Service since 1973.

Do you know someone who has trouble seeing or reading words? Difficulty turning pages?

RADIO READING SERVICE can help!

WHAT IS WKAR RADIO READING SERVICE (RRS)?
WKAR Radio Reading Service is a 24/7 free reading service to individuals who cannot access traditional reading materials due to visual, physical or cognitive conditions.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
WKAR loans qualified listeners a special portable radio free of charge. The pre-tuned radio includes the Radio Reading Service signal and 90.5 WKAR. You can listen within a 60-mile radius of WKAR’s Okemos/Meridian Township broadcasting tower or on your computer at WKAR.org through a variety of streaming applications.

HOW TO QUALIFY
Participants must meet at least one of these qualifications:

• Trouble reading or using printed materials as a result of a visual, physical or cognitive condition
• Macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa or dyslexia

RRS CONTENT INCLUDES:

• Three Michigan and two national newspapers
• Local, state, national and international news and features
• Weather forecasts and alerts
• Best-selling novels
• Grocery and department store ads
• Community calendar events
• And more!

HOW IS RADIO READING SERVICE FUNDED?
It costs WKAR approximately $120 per RRS listener each year to provide this service. Radio Reading Service is funded by individual contributions and support from community organizations.

ORIGINS

Radio Reading Services was created by WKAR's Dick Estell in 1973, as Radio Talking Book.

VOLUNTEERING
WKAR welcomes your volunteer support. Join more than 100 volunteers who read live and recorded material on the air. The commitment is one hour per week.

FOR APPLICATION, MORE INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER CONTACT:Brad Walker Phone: (517) 884-4746 Email: bradw@wkar.org

TO CONTRIBUTE TO RADIO READING SERVICE

• Donate to WKAR Radio Reading Service
• Call: (517) 884-4747 

updated 10/1/2023