Media Releases
RNZ News briefings – Just ask Alexa!
Released at 4:54 pm on 21 March 2018
RNZ’s popular hourly bulletins are now available as a Flash Briefing for Amazon Alexa - the voice-activated service from Amazon.
RNZ audiences with access to Alexa-enabled devices can get the latest news updates by simply asking a question: "Alexa, what's the latest news?" or "Alexa, what's my flash briefing?" and receive up-to-date bulletins, read by RNZ newsreaders, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
RNZ’s head of news and digital Glen Scanlon said it was an exciting and innovative step for RNZ to be included on Amazon’s voice service.
“The broadcast of news, current affairs and entertainment is our lifeblood. To be able to have this featured on Amazon’s Alexa service is a great new way for us to reach more people when they need us.”
“We believe voice-driven services like Alexa will become a key way for people to not only to hear the news, but also interact with it in the future, whether that be in the home, the car or at work.”
A team of staff, led by Claire Murdoch, developed the Flash Briefing. Ms Murdoch, RNZ's product and audience lead, says the feedback from Alexa users has been extremely positive.
“People here and overseas love catching up on the news they’ve missed, right around the clock, but above all they appreciate the quality and professionalism of the RNZ offer.”
"We want to keep improving our digital platforms and products to reach new audiences. This is just the latest stage in that process, which last year included new apps for iPhone and Android and before that, the redevelopment of our website at radionz.co.nz. Over the next year we will be adding more ways for new audiences to access RNZ’s excellent multimedia content," Murdoch said.
You can read more about RNZ’s Flash Briefing for Alexa, including how to access it here: https://www.radionz.co.nz/listen/alexa
And sign up here: https://www.amazon.com.au/RNZ-Radio-Zealand-Flash-Briefing/dp/B079GMBSN3
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For further information contact:
RNZ Head of Digital Glen Scanlon 027 225 0801
RNZ Product and Audience Leader Claire Murdoch 022 601 0061