The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) has called on RTÉ to reverse the decision to scrap the only programme on national radio dedicated to blind people.
While no official announcement has been made by RTÉ, NCBI understands that RTÉ's decision to remove the weekly programme was taken last Friday.
Des Kenny, chief executive of NCBI, said Audioscope has played a unique and important role in Irish broadcasting for over 30 years now.
"Not only does it provide news and information of specific interest to people who are blind or vision impaired on the national airwaves, but it also increases awareness of sight loss among the wider population," he said.
"The numbers of people who are blind or vision impaired is increasing annually. With an ageing population and increasing numbers of people living with diabetes and other health issues, the need for RTÉ to continue broadcasting Audioscope is greater than ever. It would be a real blow if RTÉ were to scrap the programme now." Mr Kenny added.
The revamp of RTÉ Radio 1 schedule under the new boss Ana Ledyy has raised the hackles of many listeners and critics who believe the station is being dragged downmarket.
RTÉ's recently announced the cancellation of arts magazine show Rattlebag and John Kelly's eclectic music show Night Train as well moving backroom staff without prior consultation.