Cardinal News just made multitasking easier. We now offer audio versions of our news stories. Just look for the audio widget in each article:
The feature can be accessed for free at cardinalnews.org and through our mobile app. (Download from Apple Store) (Download from Google Play)
“We’ve listened to what our audience is telling us. Cardinal readers have said that they’d like the option to hear our stories so that they can stay informed on the go,” said Dutchie Jessee, director of development.
Cardinal is using Everlit Audio to provide this service. The audio option, powered by continually updated artificial intelligence, makes our news coverage more accessible and convenient.
While we hope soon to announce a sponsor to support this feature, Cardinal was able to begin this service through the support of our members.
“Cardinal News continues to grow both in terms of readership and in member support. Our one-time donors and members — those who donate monthly or yearly — have enabled us to keep offering our independent journalism without paywalls or meters,” Jessee said. “The audio feature is just another example of making our work available to more people throughout Southwest and Southside Virginia, and beyond.”
As with most AI tools, there is a learning curve as we teach “Lana” (the voice we have selected) how to pronounce names, locations and other words. If you hear something odd that we missed, please let us know at news@cardinalnews.org.