# From the world’s first digital newspaper for the visually impaired in 1979

> Since 1979, Textalk has developed digital publishing solutions for publishers. Discover the story behind Prenly, digital newspapers, accessibility and innovation.

![From the world’s first digital newspaper for the visually impaired in 1979](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/hej/prenly-henryk-textalk.webp?v=1788369187)

– to the next generation of newspapers for everyone. Prenly makes the newspaper modern, accessible, and complete.

[Contact us](https://www.prenly.com/contact-us/)

## Over 45 years of digital publishing

Prenly is part of Textalk Group, with over 45 years of experience in innovation across digital newspapers, accessibility and publishing technology. From the first digital solutions of the 1970s to today’s platform for publishers around the world.

![Textalk founder Henryk Rubinstein develops the world’s first digital newspaper for visually impaired readers together with Göteborgs-Posten.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/1.webp?v=1789932379)

Textalk founder Henryk Rubinstein develops the world’s first digital newspaper for visually impaired readers together with Göteborgs-Posten.

1979

![Helsingborgs Dagblad begins publishing news digitally using technology developed by Textalk.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/fredagsfika.webp?v=1789932380)

When Helsingborgs Dagblad decides to start publishing news digitally, Textalk develops the technology that makes it possible to publish Swedish daily newspapers on the web.

1995

![WebNews is developed for digital school and association newspapers.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/webnews-textalk-prenly.webp?v=1789453947)

WebNews is developed for digital school and association newspapers and becomes a leading tool for creating and publishing editorial content on the web.

2003

![Textalk launches a text-to-speech service for news and articles, making Swedish daily newspapers accessible.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/text-to-speech-milstoplar.webp?v=1789932381)

Textalk launches a text-to-speech service for news and articles and is commissioned to make Swedish daily newspapers accessible to people with visual impairments.

2012

![Prenly launches for the next generation of digital newspapers.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/prenly-milstolpare.webp?v=1789932382)

Prenly launches for the next generation of digital newspapers – a platform where publishers can develop and distribute their digital editions and create better reader experiences.

2014

![Textalk is commissioned by Nota to make Danish weekly publications accessible to people with visual impairments.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/denmark.webp?v=1789932383)

Textalk is commissioned by Nota, part of the Royal Danish Library, to make Danish weekly publications accessible to people with visual impairments.

2022

![Prenly is used as the e-paper solution by Sweden’s daily newspapers.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/prenly-milestone.webp?v=1789932384)

Today, Prenly is used by 100% of Sweden’s daily newspapers – the result of decades of close collaboration with publishers and continuous development in digital publishing.

2024

## It started with accessibility

It all began with Henryk Rubinstein and a vision to make information accessible to people with visual impairments. In 1979, the world’s first digital newspaper for visually impaired readers was developed.
What began as a solution to make content accessible to more people evolved into new technology for digital publishing and eventually became part of the foundation of what is now Prenly.

[Contact us](https://www.prenly.com/contact-us)

![Newspaper clipping from 1979 with the headline 'He makes the newspaper speak for the blind' and a photo of Henryk Rubinstein holding a newspaper.](https://cdn.abicart.com/shop/ws77/157177/files/Choose%20Prenly/slide-in-henryk%20rubinstein.gif)

## Our love for the newspaper

We love the newspaper as a concept. For hundreds of years, it has looked almost the same, no matter where in the world you open it. Someone has selected the content for you, organized it page by page, giving you a coherent story about what’s happening in the world right now.
In a time when we all dig deeper into our own filters, the newspaper stands as a counterbalance – a common ground to gather around. It delivers what matters most, on a set day and time, creating rhythm in everyday life. When you close the last page, you’re done. Ready to face the world, talk with others, and join the conversations sparked by journalism.
This is the feeling we carry with us into the work on the next generation newspaper. A digital product that preserves the strength of tradition – the curation, the rhythm, the sense of wholeness – while at the same time using modern technology to become more accessible, more interactive, and more in tune with people’s lives today.

![Hands forming a heart shape in front of a tablet displaying a digital newspaper.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/prenly-team-2.webp?v=1789932385)

> “Working at Textalk means having both freedom and responsibility in one package – the freedom to explore, create and grow, while also carrying the responsibility of building something together that truly makes a difference.”

![Fredrik Fastén, Help Desk Manager at Textalk Group](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/fredrik-fasten-rounded.webp?v=1789932387)

Fredrik Fastén Help Desk Manager at Textalk Group

## A solid foundation, with an eye to the future

Since our start in 1979, we’ve learned a lot. We stand on a strong foundation of organization, robust systems, and deep technical expertise. With curiosity and drive, we take on the challenges of tomorrow to keep creating solutions that truly make a difference.

[Contact us](https://www.prenly.com/contact-us)

![Two men talking outdoors, one gesturing while they are in discussion.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/about-us-team-f.webp?v=1789932388)

## What we do today

Today, Prenly is used by newspaper publishers across the Nordics and Europe to create and distribute digital newspapers, magazines, and special editions.
We build systems for:

- Publishing: transforming PDFs into digital, readable, and accessible content.
- Accessibility: adjustable text size, text-to-speech, and other features that make newspapers accessible to more people.
- Experience: apps and web solutions that bring all parts of the newspaper together in a unified way.

In addition, we offer integrations with external systems to manage users, subscriptions, and authentication in a flexible way.

[Contact us](https://www.prenly.com/contact-us)

![Woman holding a bottle and smiling while talking to a man, with several people in the background at an event.](https://cmscontent.tx.lk/media/3/public/prenly-team-1.webp?v=1789932391)

### Our way of working

Building Prenly is not about chasing quick wins or growing at any cost. For us, it’s more important to grow sustainably, with care and a long-term perspective.
We are a **remote-first company**, with colleagues in ten different countries. We are entirely self-financed and free from external owners, which means we set our own direction – without compromise.
What unites us is curiosity, lifelong learning, and the drive to create something meaningful for others. Here, there is room to follow your passion, to grow, and to contribute to something that truly makes a difference.
For us, Prenly is more than just work. It’s time well spent, together.
– Jens Halvarsson, CEO, Textalk Group