Audioscope to return to RTÉ Radio 1 schedule in new slot
Release Date: Sep 6th, 2006
NCBI (National Council for the Blind) today warmly welcomed RTÉ Radio 1’s decision to reinstate Audioscope, a programme covering issues around sight loss, in a new slot. Audioscope will return to the RTÉ Radio 1 schedule shortly as part of its series 'Second Helpings' on medium wave.
The decision follows a meeting and a series of discussions between Des Kenny, NCBI's Chief Executive, and Ana Leddy, Head of RTÉ Radio 1, where they discussed the future of the programme in light of the recent decision to remove it from the autumn schedule.
Mr Kenny said, "Ana Leddy and I had a very positive and constructive exchange of views. We discussed the importance of radio for people who are blind and vision impaired and talked about whether it might be possible for the Audioscope programme to make a return.”
Ms Leddy agreed that the Audioscope programme would be reinstated to the RTÉ Radio 1 schedule on medium wave as part of the Second Helpings series. While the return of Audioscope to the schedule is an interim measure, RTÉ Radio 1 has also committed to working with NCBI to explore how new technology might be used to broadcast issues around blindness, visual impairment and sight loss.
Speaking of her decision, Ms Leddy said, "We are conscious that radio, above all other media, is the one most accessible to people living with sight loss and that it is a primary source of information and entertainment. RTÉ Radio 1 is committed to being inclusive in its scheduling and approach. The decision to reinstate Audioscope on medium wave and our commitment to exploring the potential of new technology demonstrates our commitment to being both inclusive and responsive in our programming."
Mr Kenny added, "The outcome of the dialogue between NCBI and RTÉ Radio 1 is that a potential problem for people living with sight loss in Ireland has been turned into a real opportunity. I very much look forward to collaborating with Ms Leddy and her team on Audioscope and working alongside Ms Leddy towards her goal of developing more inclusive radio which will promote the interests of the section of people whom NCBI represents”.
Ends
For further information contact Eoin Dardis at NCBI on 086 8077759.
Notes to Editors
1. National Council for the Blind of Ireland is a not for profit charitable organisation which offers support and services nationwide to people experiencing difficulties with their eyesight.
2. 2006 is NCBI’s 75th anniversary year having been established in 1931 to physical, economic and social welfare of people living with vision impairments.
3. RTÉ (Radio Telefís Éireann) is Ireland's Public Service Broadcaster.
4. Audioscope broadcasts news, events and discussion on blind and vision impaired issues.