Recognition For Wanganui Blind Cyber-Broadcaster

From: OUT OF SIGHT Ltd

Mediapak: Nationalpak

International Recognition For Wanganui Blind Cyber-Broadcaster

A totally blind Wanganui Internet broadcaster has become the recipient of a prestigious international award.

Jonathan Mosen was recently presented with the Vernon Henley Award by the American Council of the Blind for his promotion of the talents and capabilities of the blind through the media.

The award, which was presented to Mr Mosen at a banquet in Des Moines Iowa, is only given when a worthy recipient is identified, and was last awarded in 1998.

Mr Mosen's company, OUT OF SIGHT Ltd, operates ACB Radio, an Internet radio network for the blind heard in 70 countries.

With broadcasters in six countries, the operation is headquartered in studios in Wanganui, using a combination of standard broadcast equipment and computers with speech and Braille output.

"Obviously this is a great honour," Mr Mosen said.

"It's wonderful that blind people around the world now have four radio stations that talk about our issues and showcase our talent. And it's just great that Internet technology allows a project like this to be operated from New Zealand for a global audience. I'm able to sit in the peace and quiet of Wanganui, and control a series of telephone lines in New York for our talk shows"

Mr Mosen says that while the majority of ACB Radio listeners are blind, the Internet radio network is also changing attitudes.

"I get e-mail from business people all around the world saying that they had no idea blind people could even use a computer. I hope we are helping to change attitudes and encouraging people to see us as the capable people we really are," Mr Mosen said.

ACB Radio can be found on the web at
http://www.acbradio.org

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