Council launches podcast news

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 11/02/2009

Rochdale Borough Council’s magazine, Local Matters, is to be aired as a regular podcast on the website.

Described by the acting council leader as a “radio-style magazine show”, the podcast will help people who are visually impaired, or who prefer to listen to the news rather than read it.

The 12-minute podcast is produced by the council’s Communications Team and is hosted by Local Matters magazine editor Sarah Harlow, and Deputy PR and Marketing Manager Stuart Clarkson – a former radio presenter and newsreader.

Councillor Irene Davidson, acting leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is just one of the ways that we’re working to change how we communicate with local residents and businesses.

“For a long time, councils have provided spoken versions of their newspaper or magazine to aid people with visual impairments.

“This new podcast takes that concept to another level by creating a radio-style magazine show for residents of any age to listen to and find out about what their council is doing. It’s well worth a listen so please visit our website and download it today.”