However searching on the BBC web site will not reveal any guidance as to how you can use an internet radio or AN access device like the Pocket Plextalk or Linio.
Luckily I personally have managed to unearth from other websites some PLS streams for the main BBC stations though I do not believe any alternative but Windows Media has ever existed for the local radio stations.
The BBC appear to be wanting people to use Phones tablets, or PCs for their online listening. However for many older people, like my sister there is no chance that she would ever get to grips with these devices. She could not even cope with the older Nokia phones with Talks. She could however cope quite happily with a Pocket Plextalk and has been for years using this as her main, and very accessible way of listening to the radio.
The unannounced and arbitrary BBC decision to shut down these streams threaten the existence of this access to radio for many blind people in my sister's position. Not just for her, as although I can listen to radio on an iPhone I far prefer the button convenience of using a device like the Plextalk.
I think we should complain to the BBC about the arbitrary shut down of these streams before they pull the plug on the remaining few local radio streams and the PLS streams that they are currently providing.
Even if you do not use these streams personally I feel we should as a blind and partially sighted community recognize the needs of those amongst us who rely on them.
David Griffith ** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe] ** If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** unsubscribe ** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the ** immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq] ** or send a message, to ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq