Audio Journal receives International Awards

Worcester based Audio Journal, a radio reading service for individuals who are blind or otherwise challenged, was recognized with two Program of the Year awards by the International Association of Audio Information Services this June at the group’s annual conference in Cincinnati, OH.

Director Vince Lombardi picked up the awards, the 11th & 12th bestowed on the local nonprofit in the last 10 years. The programs honored were, “Armchair Traveler,” an audio travelogue featuring stories and sounds from destinations around the world, and the station’s monthly contest, “Stump the Listener,” which motivates listeners to call in for prizes awarded to correct answers of local trivia.

“Armchair Traveler,” which won its category for the second consecutive year, is produced and hosted by Robin Sitten of Clinton, MA. Robin, employed by Monster.com, has been a volunteer at Audio Journal since 2001, broadcasting her program on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at 11:00AM. Previously she wrote scripts for descriptive videos at WGBH in Boston.

Lombardi writes and produces “Stump the Listener,” relying on several volunteers to help provide voices of the often offbeat characters featured in the skits. This “Thematic” category entry received honorable mention in last year’s competition. Lombardi has been the director of the agency since 1999.

Audio Journal, a free service for residents of Worcester County, provides access to printed information via a closed radio broadcast. Radios tuned to their frequency are provided by the agency free of charge. The broadcasts are also heard on 25 cable access stations and streamed live on their website www.audiojournal.net

For information contact Vince Lombardi 508-797-1117 or vince@audiojournal.net.