MSP Applauds Talking Newspaper

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon MacDonald, has commended Cue and Review, a talking newspapers daily service in Scotland, on the launch of their new Alexa “skill” app “Talking Newspaper”.

The MSP welcomed the app, which allows visually and reading impaired users to access talking newspapers and magazines from all over the UK using their Alexa device, by lodging a celebratory motion in The Scottish Parliament

The project was funded with £50,485 from the Scottish Government’s Community Recovery Fund, which enabled Cue and Review, since January 2021, to work on the project with the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). The app is currently compatible with all Scottish talking newspaper titles available on the current BWBF Talking Newspaper phone app onto Alexa.

To get started using the skill say “Alexa Enable, Talking Newspapers”. Then say “Alexa, open talking newspaper” to your Alexa device. A short message will play, meaning you have successfully started the skill. Say “play” and the name of the title you would like to listen to; for example, “play Cue and Review The National”.

Commenting, SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald, said, “The last year has shown, more than ever, how important it is to be able to access quality, trusted news. It lets us stay informed and connected on a daily basis, and is a vital resource when we are going through some of the toughest times in our lives. It should go without saying that those who are visually and reading impaired should have access to this too.

“I am thrilled that Cue and Review have managed to launch their Alexa Skill , “Talking Newspaper”, and I would like to extend a huge congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this success.

“I would also encourage anyone who would like to support this extremely worthwhile initiative, to volunteer with Cue and Review - you can even help from your own home. I understand that the service is heavily reliant on volunteers so every bit of help will be very much appreciated.”