|
|
Radio broadcasting brings the Australian Open to life for the blind and visually impaired.
|
By Christopher Bowers, special to USTA.com
Tennis can be difficult to watch when you're blind or visually impaired. But tennis on the radio is making a comeback thanks to the internet. And the first Grand Slam tournament of the 2014, the Australian Open, is being broadcast live, with play-by-play commentary and good banter from first point to last.
A team of commentators -- half of them Australian, half non-Australian -- describes all the points played on the Rod Laver Arena as well as some of the outside courts when the main court program finishes. It's a mixture of the action being described, chat about the talking points in tennis, and answering questions and comments from listeners around the world.
You hear the sound of the ball and the crowd behind the announcers, and you can ask questions of the presenters via email, smartphone message or Twitter -- the presenters will give the contact details in their commentary.
For everyone it's great fun, and for those who are blind or visually impaired, it can be a lifeline to one of the biggest tennis events of the year!
***
Submit Your Program Spotlight
The USTA National Adaptive Tennis Committee would like to know more about your programs, people and events. This gives recognition to the great work you’re doing and inspires others to provide similar services. Contact us now!
***