A Brief History of the Service

The original Foundation (Foundation for Radio for the Print Handicapped of WA Inc.) was formed in the late ‘70’s by a group of people keen to explore the opportunities that the emerging public radio sector provided in order to better meet the perceived needs of people with a print disability.

 

Up until 1986, the original Foundation developed a radio presence through pilot programs aired one hour weekly through Radio 6NR and 6UVS.  In 1986 the Foundation was merged with the Association for the Blind of WA in Victoria Park, where the service developed to a regular one hour per day, Monday to Friday program with purchased air time on 6NR.  The program was called Information Radio.

 

Development of a full time service was inhibited by an Australian Government moratorium on the granting of new public radio licences until 1990.  At this time the (then) Australian Broadcasting Authority called for applications to operate a Radio for the Print Handicapped (RPH) service in the Perth metropolitan area.

 

The Association for the Blind of WA declined to take up the offer, instead assisting to form a new, independent organisation to do so - the Foundation for Information Radio of WA (inc.) was incorporated with the following constitutional objects:

 

1. To operate radio stations for the purpose of providing radio programs of benefit to people with a print disability.
2. To promote general awareness and understanding of the problems encountered by people with a print disability.
3. To encourage all radio and television stations to broadcast programs suitable for people with a print disability.
4. To promote membership of the Foundation and to foster relations with other persons or bodies who are interested in or concerned with any aspect of promoting the interests of people with a print disability.
5. To subscribe or donate to, become a member of, or cooperate with any other persons or bodies whose objects are similar to those of the Foundation.

 

The Association for the Blind of WA provided a building to house the station's operations; studios were developed with the assistance of a Lotteries Commission grant; broadcast equipment was donated and installed.  Volunteers were recruited and trained in all areas of the station's operations and initial operating funds were secured.  Utilising a transmitter made available by the Australian Government following the AM/FM conversion process, 990 6RH - Information Radio commenced fully licensed broadcasting on 25^the October 1991.