GSFM reinstates talking news program helping to keep locals informed

A radio program helping visually impaired people stay informed is coming back to GSFM 100.9 FM as the Talking Newspaper program relaunches under a new name from this Saturday.

First launched in 1988 on Albany Community Radio, the segment ran every Saturday afternoon broadcasting local stories and wrapping up the news week.

It was brought to a halt in 2019.

Now, Julie Bright, the chairwoman, program manager and a presenter at the station, is spearheading the operation to bring it back with the program rebranded as Reading Between The Lines.

When the program stopped, Ms Bright said that Albany listeners lost “the ability to keep print-challenged and isolated people up-to-date with the latest news and information in their own community”.

Focusing on stories from Mt Barker, Albany and Denmark, the program will return to its old timeslot at noon each Saturday. “I am delighted to reinstate this valuable community service and was encouraged by the number of volunteer readers who are itching to get back behind the microphone,” she said.

“GSFM volunteers are part of the community too, and we are dedicated to providing a relevant and valuable media service to the Great Southern.”