BBC programmes hit as staffs go on strike

Striking staff had formed picket lines outside entrances to BBC buildings in London and union representatives using hand-held video cameras filmed the trickle of workers who ignored signs urging them not to cross the line.

The walkout which started Sunday at midnight (2300 GMT) was the first of four strikes set to hit the corporation, causing serious disruption across its radio and television output.

The flaship Today programme on Radio 4, which features interviews with politicians and other newsmakers, was an early casualty. "I'm sorry that we are unable to bring you the Today programme. This is due to industrial action by the broadcast unions," said the announcer.

An entertainment program ran in its place.

The Internet BBC News site was still being updated after midnight without any perceptible change from normal practice.

BBC One's Breakfast ran a basic service with a single presenter, the website reported.

After midnight BBC News 24 and BBC World switched to recorded news bulletins, though they later resumed some live news broadcasting.

An omission on the 0700 bulletin was news of the devastating state election defeat for the Social Democrats of German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The story appeared prominently on the corporation's website, however.