Audio Journal Incorporated

What it reported doing in 2024

Audio Journal's mission in Central Massachusetts is to connect individuals who are blind, visually impaired or have an inability to access printed material, to their communities through broadcasting of local news, information and entertainment, with exclusive programs and content. Audio Journal's primary program is radio reading for the blind. Over 85 volunteers read over 60 local newspapers, as well as magazines, books, grocery and retail fliers, health information and more to ensure our listeners know what is happening closest to their own homes. Reaching over 6,000 listeners in Central Massachusetts, 24/7 broadcasts may be heard on the Audio Journal website, (WWW.AUDIOJOURNAL.ORG), Audio Journal Mobile App. with I phone, I pad and Android, podcasting through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, etc. smart speaker (Amazon Echo and Google Home), phone, local cable access TV and a special receiver tuned to Audio Journal's frequency. Almost all programs are available as on-demand podcasts from the website and Audio Journal App. All services are provided at no cost to the listeners. The Executive Director or a volunteer deliver and setup Amazon smart speakers (Echos) or radio receivers in individuals' homes. In addition to reading newspapers, we have specialty programming: Speaking Volumes is a radio book group highlighted in the February 2019 issue of Oprah's O MAGAZINE. Listeners may call in and participate in the discussion and sometimes the authors join the discussion. Another Point of View considers a current topic from both sides of the political aisle.Talking Topics and Beautiful Minds are interview shows introducing our listeners to interesting local individuals talking about what they do in the community. A Common Voice shares articles about living in the community with your disability.Radio Active Theater broadcasts family-friendly plays from old time radio and film.Our purpose includes offering entertainment and intellectual stimulation for our listeners, many of whom were avid readers. Also, listeners who are socially isolated feel more connected to people and events.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Audio Journal broadcasts include public service announcements specific to our visually and print disabled listeners. Information about COVID-19 symptoms; how to stay safe and move about while wearing a mask; vaccine FAQ's; how to get a homebound vaccine; support available from the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) scheduling vaccines and getting transportation to vaccine appointments; vaccination boosters; and accessible voting.The board of directors: Updated the bylaws in January of 2021.Developed a conflict of interest policy and disclosure form reviewed and signed by all board members.Developed a financial policy and an operating account policy.Other policies and an employee handbook were completed and approved by the Board of Directors in December, 2021.The volunteer board of directors developed an official content policy for all broadcast programs and added it to the official volunteer handbook. Audio Journal works closely with the other five radio reading services in Massachusetts. As a group we are known as the Massachusetts Audio Information Network (MAIN). We also closely work with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB).Audio Journal is a member of the International Association of Audio Information Service (IAAIS).

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 74.7%; rating input score 75
• Program expense ratio: 68.3%; rating input score 68
• Fundraising efficiency: $4.4 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 19; 19th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 92.3%; rating input score 92; 22nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 90.9%; rating input score 91; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 75
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -1.6%; rating input score 35; 35th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.81; rating input score 67; 67th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.02; rating input score 40; 40th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 23.2%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 6.8% per year; rating input score 100; 61st percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 3.1% per year; rating input score 100; 42nd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 13.7% per year; rating input score 100; 75th percentile among comparable filings