[nfbwatlk] TV Listings Now On NFB Newsline

[David Andrews]

Breakthrough Technology Provides TV Listings to the Blind

Free, On-Demand Service Available to Millions


Baltimore, Maryland (December 20, 2006): The 
National Federation of the Blind has partnered 
with Tribune Media Services to add television listings to NFB-NEWSLINE®,
the nation's largest on-demand news service for 
the blind.  Beginning today, blind and visually 
impaired Americans will have independent access to their
local TV listings, all in one place, only a telephone call away.

Eric Duffy, a Columbus, Ohio native and blind 
parent of two children, said: "It is so important 
to find quality television programming for young children.
Now I can choose appropriate TV shows for my 
children, just like any other sighted parent."

Garrick Scott, of Atlanta, Georgia, hosts a 
weekly sports talk show.  "Watching sports is a 
huge part of my life, and this new capability makes it infinitely
easier to find what I want to watch," Scott said.

By simply entering the zip code, source of TV 
reception, and time zone, blind users will have 
quick and easy access to their local TV listings.  The listings
are interactive, as the user can navigate and 
choose between date, time, and/or channel 
listings.  After a user enters the local zip code, he or she is
presented with a list of cable and satellite 
providers in the area.  The user can also 
indicate the use of a television antenna.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National 
Federation of the Blind said: "The sheer volume 
of information that blind persons will now have access to is
astonishing.  Finally, blind television viewers 
can find out what's on any channel, at any time, and within seconds. "

Over 50,000 NFB-NEWSLINE® subscribers already 
enjoy the free electronic newspaper service which 
carries 242 newspapers and magazines to 41 states and the
District of Columbia.  The New York Times, Wall 
Street Journal, USA Today, and AARP The Magazine 
are among the many national and local newspapers offered.
Subscribers have access twenty-four hours a day, 
seven days a week, through a local or toll-free telephone number.

NFB-NEWSLINE® uses the Zap2it television 
listings, a product of Tribune Media Services and 
the leading source of entertainment listings in the country.

Individuals who are unable to read print due to a 
physical disability are eligible for this free 
service.  To register or to request more information, call
the National Federation of the Blind at (866) 
504-7300, or visit them online at
http://www.nfbnewsline.org/
  <http://www.nfbnewsline.org/> .


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About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National 
Federation of the Blind is the largest and most 
influential membership organization of blind people in the United
States.   The NFB improves blind people's lives 
through advocacy, education, research, 
technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.
It is the leading force in the blindness field 
today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In 
January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the
Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and 
training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

John G. Paré Jr.
Director of Public Relations
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, Maryland  21230
Telephone:  (410) 659-9314, ext. 2371
Cell phone:  (410) 913-3912
Fax:  (410) 685-5653
Email:  jpare at nfb.org