Stephen Keane from The Fact Factory on BBC Dragon's Den(Image: BBC)

Irish publisher is set to appear on BBC Dragon's Den with unique pitch

Stephen Keane will be hoping to win investment from the millionaire Dragons on the show.

25 Mar 2024, 15:58 by Sandra Mallon · Irish Mirror

A publisher who has created a magazine designed for children with disabilities is set to appear on this week’s Dragon’s Den.

Leitrim native Stephen Keane, a former primary school teacher and founder of News Mag Media Ltd, will appear in the latest episode of Dragons’ Den, which airs on BBC 1 on Thursday, March 28, in a bid to secure investment in its accessible audio-print reading kit called The Fact Factory.

The Fact Factory is an audio-print magazine series written and recorded to include readers with print disabilities such as dyslexia and visual impairment, as well as reluctant or struggling readers.

Opening up about going on the show, Stephen said: “Appearing on Dragons’ Den was a very exciting opportunity for us.

“Having nine-year-old Laurel, who at the age of four lost both eyes because of bilateral retinoblastoma, show the Dragons how someone who cannot see can still enjoy a printed magazine just like that of her peers was very important for us.

“Laurel is a massive fan of the series and that says it all – it shows us that all the hard work has been worth it.

“Of course, Laurel took her TV debut in her stride while I stood petrified before the five Dragons.”

Recorded by children from around the world, The Fact Factory magazines offer a screen-free reading and listening experience that features hundreds of fun and fascinating facts on animals, insects, sea creatures, the body, famous buildings and heroes from history.

“Using raised UV markers and tactile tracking bars strategically placed on every page, children with visual impairment can detect the pen’s audio-activation points through touch – enabling them to enjoy an independent reading experience like never before.

Readers with dyslexia can enjoy the content by reading along with or listening to the characters.

Stephen described the 4-year journey as a challenging but hugely rewarding experience, saying: “When we set out to create a magazine that every child could enjoy, and after having met with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), we knew this was something children needed.

“We just had to figure out how best to do it. That said, it wasn’t long before we realised that audio would be the game changer.”

Stephen said that he started off “shaky” with the Dragons, but appreciated their invaluable advice.

“I definitely underestimated the notion of ‘stage fright’ when it came to dealing with their questions. I think it started off a little shaky, but I was glad it ended on a positive note.

“And I was glad Laurel really enjoyed the experience. Regarding what the Dragons said, I definitely took their advice on board,” he added.

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