Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service, Inc.

A Listener’s Day

I don’t know what I’d do without the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service. The folks at Radio Reading are wonderful! I’ve never met them in person, but I sure know them. They’ve been my best friends for years - since I lost my sight.

Most people don't realize how difficult it is for people without good vision to get information. But these caring Radio Reading volunteers read me my daily newspapers over the radio, so I know what's happening in the world, who's running for office, how the Buffalo Bills did and what's on sale at the grocery store.

They read me popular national magazines I can't get otherwise, so I can manage my finances better, follow the latest health trends and catch up on the newest developments in technology and science.

And, of course, I love a good book! Radio Reading volunteers read New York Times best sellers, as well as authors with local ties, like Luke Russert and Marv Levy. Several books every day. Yes, audio books are available, but they're expensive. Radio Reading is free!

I can't imagine my life without them! From the day I met this wonderful new friend, I’ve felt so much more alive!

Just because I’M BLIND doesn’t mean I don’t care about the same things everyone else does! I'M part of this world! I DO want to live as full a life as possible!

Before Radio Reading, I was beyond lonely - and probably depressed. My family and friends always seemed to have such great conversations about their lives and the world around them. But I felt so different around others.

Not just because they were sighted, but because they knew more than me. I was uncomfortable and didn't know what to say to join in. They thought I was just a quiet person. They didn't know I was embarrassed not knowing what they were talking about.

Can you believe listening to a simple radio can do so much for a life? So sad then, and so much better now!

Now I’m not only part of those talks, but I start them up! They’ve all remarked on how much happier and lively I seem now. I don’t even feel so blind anymore! It’s hard to explain, but a huge part of my world that was missing – was dark – is back! I don’t want to stay home alone as much as I did.

My wish for everyone who has trouble reading - for any reason - is that the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service becomes their new best friend! Just ask. They’ll bring you a special radio right to your home or set you up listening on the internet. No complicated forms or technology, no worries.

I am worried about the future of the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service though. I heard they really need financial help to keep going. If more people only knew how much Radio Reading means to us listeners. I’m telling as many people as I can about supporting them! 

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You can help our friend above, and the tens of thousands of other people across Western New York and Southern Ontario who can’t read on their own, to rest assured of continued service from the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service.

We're the only service of its kind in Upstate New York. We don’t charge for what we do, nearly all of our on-air content is read by volunteers and we keep our expenses as low as possible.

It costs money, however, to operate radio studios, maintain broadcasting equipment, provide special radios to listeners, manage our wonderful volunteers, and spread the word throughout the region - all with just four staff members!

Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service. It costs about $118 to provide service for one of our listeners for a year! Won't you sponsor one of them now? It could change their world!

The Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service is a nonprofit 24/7 radio station where volunteers read newspapers, magazines, books and other publications over the air and online so people across Western New York and Southern Ontario who are blind or have other conditions that make reading a challenge can remain fully informed, engaged members of their community. Learn more here: Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service (youtube.com)