Talking Headlines At Telegraph

Users of the Grimsby Telegraph website can now receive the latest headlines from a virtual newsreader.

Newsbot Kate Carter is an animated talking head on the site’s homepage who provides visitors with a round-up of the latest local stories and breaking news.

Editor Michelle Lalor revealed that the idea for a virtual reporter came about as the newspaper wanted to further enhance its online offerings.

She said: “Breaking news 24-hours-a-day has been the norm for at least two years, and we have consistently been adding more interactive content to the site.

“We have done so much to it, we were left scratching our heads a little about what more we could do - and then the idea of the newsbot was born.

“They are a great example of how differently news can be reported - it’s all about novelty and fun.”

And according to Holdthefrontpage.co.uk, journalists at the Telegraph have gone as far as to give Kate Carter an individual identity with a family, back story and personality traits.

Lalor added: “Of course, Kate is only virtual, but we wanted to give her a personality to make her what she effectively is - a new member of the reporting team.”