BBC Radio Scotland is to scrap the Media Review section of The John Beattie show, sparking a fierce backlash.

Featuring commentators Stuart Cosgrove, Eamonn O'Neill and Anna Burnside, every Thursday it examined how the big stories of the week had been covered from a Scottish perspective.

However, O'Neill confirmed that it had been given the axe as part of a BBC reshuffle.

The hosts of the show have often been critical of the BBC in their analysis, and it was popular with members of the Yes movement.

Responding to a Twitter user who had asked about the show, O'Neill tweeted: "Hello, in answer to your question, just been informed after I came off air that the Media Review will no longer form part of the new BBC Radio Scotland schedule. I've always enjoyed doing it and most of all, thanks for listening."

He later added: "Worked with a great, talented and kind team and will miss them all. Particularly @BBCJohnBeattie – good luck to them all in their new roles and programmes in the refreshed schedule. I sincerely hope everyone does well."

Announcing a "refresh" to its scheduling, the BBC said: "The current lunchtime host John Beattie will be giving his very personal take on the news agenda to the drivetime audience for the first time. Drivetime … with John Beattie will be an audience focussed, two-hour programme that will take the big talking points of the day and break them down through comment and opinion."

Gary Smith, BBC Scotland’s head of news, said: "Our three daytime news programmes will all have a very distinctive feel and style to them, reporting the news that matters to the Radio Scotland audience in a tone that’s warm and accessible.

“Each of the three pillars of our schedule – breakfast, lunch and drive – will be hosted by presenters with years of journalism experience behind them. These changes ensure that our station remains at the forefront of delivering agenda-setting content that showcases radio journalism at its finest.”

People were quick to offer their support for the Media Review. Writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish said: "I really don't believe this Eamonn? One of the very few things worth listening to in the entire Radio Scotland output. Media Review deserves its own show, not dumped. What on earth is happening at Pacific Quay?"

Others also shared their anger.

The schedule changes are to take place in the next few months.