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.
An exc media review, illuminating, erudite & packed with professional criticism is to be axed by @BBCRadioScot?
— bigbuachaille (@bigbuachaille) September 5, 2019
Surprised?
This has a familiar stink about it: Bateman's Saturday am prog & the excellent Sunday "Headlines" saw the same fate.
This decision can only be political.
I’m really sorry to hear this Eamonn. I really don’t know what BBC are thinking about.
— Tricia Marwick (@TriciaMarwick) September 5, 2019
This is a scandal. We got half an hour of honesty a week from @BBCRadioScot and now that's been axed.
— Quint (@Indy_Quint) September 5, 2019
Your show must have had terrific ratings so I don't know how this can be justified.
It’s not a shame. It’s a bloody disgrace.
— Robbie Dinwoodie (@RobbieDinwoodie) September 5, 2019
No! You are joking! @BBCRadioScot, you do realise that the Media Review is the most honest, most enjoyable 45 mins of your week’s schedule? So, these intelligent commentators get dumped whilst you continue to regularly invite ex-MPs, rejected by the electorate to voice opinions!
— Finbar (the cat) Quinn (@finbarquin) September 5, 2019
This is the most informative show on BBC Radio Scotland. Very strange decision.
— Ezio - Bolingoli (@4La_Volpe) September 5, 2019
Oh @EamonnONeill . I'm sad to hear that. Tthanks to you and @Detroit67Book for all the analysis you've done and to @BBCJohnBeattie or hosting. It was the diamond in the acres of coal that @BBCRadioScot broadcasts.
— Andrew Sinclair (@Bluesprints) September 5, 2019
This is a bad decision by @BBCScotland. Very bad indeed.
@Detroit67Book Really disappointing news... enjoy listening to the three of you and gaining in insight into the behind the editorial decisions. Hope there is some way of bringing 'something' into the schedule.
— Póli-Bolingoli 🏴✊🇮🇪 (@squire67) September 5, 2019
@Detroit67Book @EamonnONeill @MsABurnside I am so very, very sorry. This is decision will leave a glaring great big hole in an otherwise dreary and stale schedule. I loved the dynamic and the inspired way that you collectively dissected the stories of the day. Onwards and upwards
— Martha Mackenzie (@Mazza2003) September 5, 2019
Absolutely gutted Eamonn. Our radio listening consists almost entirely of the Media Review. You guys gave us the best take on media issues with honesty & humour and you went where others fear to go. Thank you for every single review. @BBCRadioScot Shame on you.
— Finbar (the cat) Quinn (@finbarquin) September 5, 2019
Sad to hear this Eamonn. Pretty much only reason I tuned in to @BBCRadioScot on lunchtime walks.
— dave (@elgoldave) September 5, 2019
I'm very disappointed with this decision. It's a slot I've enjoyed very much. I do hope to hear both @EamonnONeill and @Detroit67Book doing something similar in the very near future. Clever chaps.
— Donald Kerr (@DonaldIainKerr) September 5, 2019
The schedule changes are to take place in the next few months.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel