Reading the GB2RS news with a difference: Annick Morris, M0HDE

Annick Morris, M0HDE began reading the news for GB2RS in July 2004 on 2m and 70cm. To listeners, her weekly broadcasts may sound the same as any other newsreader, however there is one fundamental difference.

This is because she is a ‘white stick operator’ and uses a Braille computer to enable her to read the script live on air.

Before each broadcast Annick will download the script using a laptop computer which has screen-reading software installed on to it. She will then edit the ‘Local News’ section, taking out all the items which are irrelevant to her coverage area of the north west of England.

When this is complete, she transfers the script using a memory stick onto her Braille computer which she then uses to read the script on the air. The Braille comes up under Annick’s fingers line by line and she uses cursor keys to operate the Braille display which navigates her through the document.

As well as reading the news on air, Annick also produces the broadcast schedule for the North West news team.

Category: GB2RS 70th Anniversary