McClatchy launches text-to-speech audio feature

McClatchy has launched a text-to-speech audio feature that will offer readers the option to listen to news content produced by its 30 newsrooms. This is part of McClatchy's strategy in the audio space, which includes initiatives in smart speakers, audio search and podcasts, the company says. 

The new AI audio feature integrated across McClatchy's digital news sites dynamically converts written content into an audio file. The text-to-speech service was tested on two McClatchy news sites over three months with significant positive customer feedback, a McClatchy news release says. The results from The Sacramento Bee and The News & Observer showed an increase in user engagement online including a 168% increase in time spent on the news site, an 89% increase in story page views and a 95% increase in visits per user.

A play button is positioned under every article headline.

McClatchy partnered with Trinity Audio on the initiative. Its tech uses AI and machine learning and inserts advertising on a revenue share basis. Trinity Audio is part of Israel-based Somoto, a publicly-traded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

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