Radio Reading Service

                                    New Zealand Radio For The Print Disabled Inc

Chairman’s Annual Report

Presented to the Annual General Meeting

 Monday 27th August 2007

This is the 22nd Annual Report for New Zealand Radio for the Print Disabled Inc. and brings into review the Societies activities for the year ending 30th June 2007.

 “Turning Print into Sound” and maintaining a quality Radio Reading Service for people who are Print Disabled, continues to be delivered by our team of volunteers. Collectively they have maintained the service giving around 130 plus hours of their time each week. This generous donation of time and talents helps bridge the information gap experienced by at least a million New Zealand citizens. Although there are continual changes in the personnel a solid core have maintained these services over many years now. The size and complexity of the audience who can’t see, hold or access printed literature is somewhat intimidating but the Radio Reading Service strives to make a difference for those who tune in.    

Presently our transmission on 1602 AM, short-wave ZLXA 3935 and local low power 107.3FM reach people in the immediate area.

 During the year the board has monitored progress in the creation and distribution of new FM radio frequencies in line with our stated aim last year of extending our listening coverage to a wider area. The priority was to look at the area to the south, which would include down to Paraparaumu at least and possibly beyond this point. The process of creating additional FM Licences and developing the relevant allocation criteria is occurring now. It is anticipated that this will allow an allocation to be made to the successful applicants between now and the end of the year.

We are indebted to “NZ On Air” who provide us with funding assistance, forming an essential ingredient for the overall successful operation of our Radio Station. It was pleasing to note also the ongoing support indicated in the 2007-10 “ Statement of Intent”.  The combination of this and the 130 plus hours that our volunteers contribute each week, allow our “not for profit” organisation to continue its existence

EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT

During the year we were able to replace and upgrade our two studio computers and Simian operating program through a successful application for funding from “The Trusts Charitable Foundation Inc”. This has enabled a much more streamlined preparation and presentation process as well as preparing for our future needs. We are grateful to the trust for this contribution.

DONATIONS

Each year a number of donations are received from a group of generous people who have an interest in our Radio Station. Generally these are of a smaller nature but this year we have received a larger contribution which is worthy of note. It was received from “The National Reading Service Trust,” which was instrumental in investigating the possibility of raising funds for the purpose of transmission from our station through digital media. The Trust established that the cost of doing this would be beyond its capability. A decision was made to wind up the trust and donate the $5000 dollars it held in funds to our station. We are grateful to all the people concerned for their donations and can ensure them that this money will be put to good use for our future needs.

OUTREACH

Board members continue their links with various Service Organisations and contact of this kind enables us to keep in touch with the community. The experiences gained from this contact also contribute a great deal to our own organisation. Staff member, Kathryn Taylor has retained our strong link with The Royal NZ Foundation of Blind Citizens. A close association has been maintained with St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and a delayed broadcast of their morning service is made each Sunday. In addition “The Hour of Power” an American programme completes a 5pm to 8pm Sunday night Religious Section. Our programme guide is also available to District Rest Homes and our internet web site www.radioreading.org continues to be used on a regular basis. Our local newspaper is also used as a contact point to our community from time to time.

INTERNATIONAL

A close working relationship has been retained with Radio For the Print Handicapped (Australia) and the exchange of material and ideas is a continuous process. Radio Netherlands and German Deuch Welle Radio also provide up to date information.

CHARITIES BILL

Application is about to be made to maintain our status of a “Charitable Trust.” This will lead on to maintaining our obligations and reporting requirements.

CONCLUSION

The future direction that Radio Reading Service of NZ Radio For The Print Disabled embarks on will largely be governed by the issuing or otherwise of an FM frequency. The present Board has positioned itself to cope with the changes this would create and believes expansion of our service could take place within a reasonably short timeframe. We look forward to a positive outcome because we have a strong belief it could benefit a wider group of people we could reach but realise that the final decision is not in our hands.

The complete team that makes our Radio Reading Service Station the success it is and enjoyed by the many people who tune in to it consists of about 100 people. Each person involved has a varying degree of responsibility and thanks are extended to all of you who take part now or have taken part in the past.

Sincerely

Ken Sterne

Chairman