FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
May 17, 2011

DRAMATIC READINGS TAKE TOP INTERNATIONAL HONORS

Tempe, AZ – May 17, 2011 - Sun Sounds of Arizona received Program of the Year awards in three categories at the 2011 International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS) Conference in May.

In the Narrative Reading categories, “Voices from the Front” commemorates the service of US soldiers with dramatic readings of letters they sent home. From hand-delivered letters from soldiers in the Revolutionary War, through present day emails from the battlefront of the Iraq War, volunteers Mary Ellen Stepanich, Michael McFadden, James Bigler, Jeannie Ost, and Edward Delmonico bring humor and heart-wrenching emotion to life. Music significant of the time period sets the scene. “Voices from the Front” aired on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2010. Listen to the program by clicking here.

“Mark Twain Stories” also earned Program of the Year honors in the Narrative Reading categories. Voice artist and Tucson volunteer reader Bill Middleton brings Twain’s timeless stories to Sun Sounds’ listeners. Douglas Martz, Sun Sounds Operations Director in Tucson, engineered the program. Listen to the program by clicking here.

The “Christian Science Monitor,” read by Tempe volunteer Alison Cameron, received the top prize in the category of Newspapers II. Listen to the program by clicking here.

Cited for technical excellence among a field of 100 competing entries, these programs were produced, directed, and voiced by volunteer readers.

Honorable Mentions were awarded to the Sun Sounds of Arizona affiliate in Flagstaff for "North Country Conversations," read by Judy O'Dea and the Tempe affiliate for "TV Guide," read by Shelly Cahill.

These award-winning programs, and the nearly 100 others produced by Sun Sounds, provide a vital link to current print information for people with disabilities. From news and entertainment to the weekly grocery ads and obituaries, the programs on Sun Sounds help thousands of Arizonans with disabilities live more independent and self-directed lives.

For additional information about this release, contact:
Heidi Capriotti
Marketing Coordinator
Sun Sounds of Arizona
480-774-8300
hcapriotti@sunsounds.org
http://sunsounds.org

Sun Sounds of Arizona, established in 1979, is a radio reading and information access service for people who cannot read conventional print due to a disability. A community service of Rio Salado College, Sun Sounds with the help of 500 volunteers across the state provides information access free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using radio, designated cable systems, telephone and the internet.