Winchester Talking Newspaper joins forces with Awaaz FM

The Winchester Talking Newspaper (WTN) provides weekly audio recordings of extracts from the Hampshire Chronicle to blind and partially sighted people.

A group of volunteers meet weekly to record the audio and the cost of producing these recordings is covered by fundraising and donations.

WTN has now teamed up with Awaaz FM, Winchester's newest community radio station on the DAB network.

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Each weekly recording will now be broadcast on the radio station every Sunday at midday.

John Richards, WTN Chairman, said: "Having our weekly recordings broadcast on the radio is a really exciting development for Winchester Talking Newspaper.  Our volunteers are dedicated to recording extracts from the Hampshire Chronicle every week and sending memory sticks to our blind and visually impaired listeners. 

"This free service keeps them in touch with local news and developments.  Most listeners play the recordings we send them on a playing box but the ability to access the recordings on the radio is a thrilling new step.  We thank Awaaz so much for this opportunity."

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Awaaz FM is Winchester's newest community radio (Image: Awaaz FM)

Ali Beg, project manager for Awaaz Radio said: "We want to reach out to all parts of the community and so we have joined forces with Winchester Talking Newspaper who provide a service for Blind and partially sighted people giving them access to national and regional news. 

"Working together we can now ensure that the under-represented groups are recognised and catered for adequately. It is an exciting time for us and we look forward to reaching out to the whole population of Winchester."

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Regional Editor for the Hampshire Chronicle, Kimberley Barber, said: "We are all excited to hear the Winchester Talking Newspaper on  Awaaz FM. The service is run by dedicated volunteers who diligently recorded a version of the Hampshire Chronicle each week to distribute to people across the city on memory sticks.

"This radio show means their hard work will be able to be heard by many more people, which is great for them, and great for us to show off some of the hard work our journalists do in the local area every day. We are delighted to support such a great community initiative. Please do tune in." 

The Winchester Talking Newspaper will be broadcast every Sunday on  Awaaz FM at midday. To find Awaaz just retune your DAB radio and search for Awaaz.