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A new digital service which enables blind or partially-sighted people to listen to their favourite newspaper and or magazine on the move has just been launched by the National Talking Newspapers and Magazines (NTN & M).
The East Sussex based charity provides more than 200 popular newspaper and magazine titles in a range of accessible formats, including audio CD and tape, MP3 download and full text, available either by email or as web download.
This full-text service has now been developed to offer an HTML format that can be read on devices such as the Victor Stream and DAISY players (such as that available from RNIB), as well as on any web browser, using standard text-to-speech software.
Fifteen daily newspapers are currently provided in this new format, available early on the day of publication and another three, together with the New Statesman, will be added on 21 December. The charity plans to make up to 100 publications available in the near future.
As NTN & M's IT manager, Bernard Moreton, explains:
"HTML formats provide a portability on a wide range of playing devices that we haven't been able to offer before, so now people can listen on the move, for example, when they are commuting to work.
"This highly-improved format fundamentally improves our full-text service and makes it even more accessible.
"Multi-file HTML will be made available on 21 December, for the benefit of mobile internet devices such as mobile phones, as well as for slower speed connections. This will allow users to download only the articles they are interested in, saving time and bandwidth.
"These developments illustrate our commitment and investment in new technologies to open up the world of news and entertainment to blind and partially sighted listeners of all group and ages, and ensure that blind, partially-sighted and print-disabled people can enjoy the same access to newspapers and magazines as sighted people."
The processing system enabling this has been developed in-house.
The following titles are currently available using the new system:
To be added on Monday 21 December:
The HTML new service is available at no extra cost as part of NTN & M's full-text service which costs £39 a year.
Further information
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines is a registered charity offering a wide variety of popular newspapers and magazines in a range of accessible formats for blind, partially sighted and print-disabled people. The service is available for a modest annual subscription, starting at just £11 a year for a monthly audio CD or tape. The charity receives no government funding and relies heavily on donations and grants from charitable trusts.
Registered Charity No. 293656
Media contact:
Cheryl Johnson
T: 01435 866102
E: Cheryl.johnson@tnauk.org.uk
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TNAUK Registered charity number: 293656
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