Object Details

From:NHerts

Name/TitleSmall Talking Newspaper, USB memory stick player

About this objectA Sovereign Sonic USB Memory stick player and charger (.2). This player was originally used as part of the Stevenage and North Herts Talking News service. Founded in 2018 the service works to record news articles from local newspapers which visually impaired people can listen to. Each week a USB containing about 45 hours of news articles from Newspapers such as the Comet and Royston Crow (as well national magazines) would be delivered through the post to users of the free service, who could then listen via the USB Player.

The Stevenage and North Herts Talking News service offers recordings by volunteers to people in the Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Stotfold and the surrounding area. It was established in 2018, though other regional services had operated before it. Talking Newspapers themselves have been popular since their establishment in the UK in the 1970s, offering a way for individuals who could not access traditional print media to connect to local events and communities.

The development of new technologies has led to new ways to access these services. In 2019 the British Wireless for the Blind Fund and The Talking News Federation launched the app Talking Newspapers which as access over 200 publications, including the Stevenage and North Herts Talking News service.

MakerKings Access Technology Ltd

Maker RoleManufacturer

MakerStevenage and North Herts Talking News service

Maker Roledistributer

Date Madecirca 2018

Period21st Century (2001-2100)

Place MadeChina

Medium and MaterialsPlastic

Inscription and MarksManufacture details to the back
Model name to the front

MeasurementsWidth 160 mm
Depth 4 mm
Height 4.7 mm

Object TypeMemory Stick Speaker

Object number2022.101.1-2

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved