Frequently Asked Questions


Do I have to pay for Wakefield Talking Newspaper?
No. The service is completely free.

Why are there two versions of Wakefield Talking Newspaper?
We add three national magazines to the full ‘USB/By post’ version of our paper. Copyright restrictions prevent us from including these in our shorter online version. The ‘online version’ can thus only include locally generated material.


Am I eligible to the full/USB version of the Newspaper?
You need to be registered as partially sighted or blind and to live in the UK to receive the full version. Please contact WTN if you want to talk to us about this.

How would I receive and return the weekly USB stick?
 In a padded plastic wallet addressed to your home. When you have finished listening, you simply need to turn over the address label on the front so that it reads ‘Wakefield Talking Newspaper’ and put it back into the post.

What about the cost of posting USB sticks to me?
USB sticks are sent out and returned under the ‘Articles for the Blind’ regulations so there is no cost.

Do I need a specialist device to listen to the USB version?
No. Our memory sticks will work with any MP3 players you may already own, such as a computer. If you do not already have an MP3 player, we can loan you an MP3 player to you for as long as you are a member. The players are specifically designed to be easy to use by visually impaired listeners.

Can I keep the USB recordings?
No. We re-use our MP3 sticks so we do ask that you return them.

What happens if I don’t have time to listen to the USB recording?
Don’t worry. We have several wallets addressed to each listener so we can still send out the next recording even if we haven’t received the previous one or two. If we don’t receive anything back after about a month, we will contact you to see if you still want to receive our recordings.

How can I get the BWBF Phone App?
You can download the BWBF’s ‘Talking Newpaper’ App at either the Android ‘Play Store’ or the Apple ‘App Store’.

How do I use the Alexa Skill?
You’ll find our help-notes on the ‘By Alexa‘ page

Is there a help desk?
As Wakefield Talking Newspaper is entirely run by volunteers, we cannot staff a full-time help desk. We do, however, invite all our members, and potential members, to contact us whenever they wish. We always answer as promptly as we can.

Is Wakefield Talking Newspaper a Registered Charity?
Yes, WTN is registered with the Charity Commission, our charity number being 509059. Further details are available here.