TNF Vice President Mike Wood writes: TNF is the umbrella organisation representing the interests of hundreds of Talking Newspapers across the United Kingdom. Full membership is available to all Talking Newspapers and other charities that produce audio recordings for blind, partially sighted and print disabled people. Individuals and businesses may become Associate Members.
With exciting developments in technology, the opportunities for TNs are many, varied and interesting. TNF is the forum for collaborative working on these issues. Membership provides a single point of reference to help with running, or developing, a flourishing TN.
As a TNF member you can:
- Attend the TNF Annual National Conference and/or TNF Roadshows. Hear inspiring speakers, share experience with other TNs and learn about new developments from exhibitors.
- Access our comprehensive TNF insurance scheme
- Sign up for our popular online Winter Workshops covering key TN topics.
- Access TNF Policies and Guidelines and create your own adaptations.
- Use free audio articles from TNF Soundings for extra information and entertainment material to supplement local content.
- Find help to reach people with visual impairment and increase your listener numbers.
- Sign up to ‘Studio in a Cloud’ – a flexible recording solution for remote recording operations. This is particularly useful if there is a problem in getting an audio engineer or a recording studio locally.
- Use Talk Phone to offer a ‘non techy’ way of providing local TN recordings via a local phone number.
- Invite a TNF Audio Technician to visit, check and advise on your audio set-up.
- Provide your local service via Alexa or BWBF App.
- Have a website for your TN using your information.
- Benefit from TNF’s experience in writing successful funding applications.
- Get help registering with the Charity Commission.
- Request long service certificates for TNs marking significant anniversaries.
The TNF website is the starting point for finding out more about our organisation and how we can help you. The public section of the website provides general information about local talking newspapers in the United Kingdom together with a directory of local organisations and contact details for most local TNs. The members’ only section provides more detailed operational information.
The members’ section of the website includes a series of policies and guidelines to help TNs understand their duties and responsibilities. Local TNs may use these TNF policies and guidelines as a basis for creating their own documents. Such documents are often important when applying for funding, to show that a TN is well-managed and works to high standards.