BBC journalists strike over jobs

BBC journalists are staging a 24-hour strike in a row over jobs. The action threatens disruption to radio and TV news programmes.

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BBC sorry for 'disruption to services'

The BBC has apologised to audiences after TV and radio schedules were hit by a journalists' strike today:

We are disappointed that the NUJ has gone ahead with today's strike and apologise to our audience for the disruption to services.

Unfortunately industrial action does not alter the fact that the BBC has significant savings targets and as a consequence may have to make a number of compulsory redundancies.

– BBC spokesperson

Programmes including the flagship Today on Radio 4 and BBC One's Breakfast did not air as scheduled this morning.

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TV and radio schedules hit by BBC strike

Programmes including BBC One's Breakfast and Radio 4's Today programme are off-air this morning due to a strike by BBC journalists.

Radio 5 Live Breakfast presenter Nicky Campbell was also absent as shows were affected by a 24-hour walkout by members of the National Union of Journalists in protest at compulsory redundancies.

Repeats of shows including Heir Hunters and Escape to the Country will replace BBC One's Breakfast.

BBC 'working hard' to redeploy journalists

In a statement the BBC said it understood how frustrating situations involving redundancies could be. The corporation added:

"It is disappointing the NUJ have chosen to take this action. We are working hard to ensure that we succeed in getting staff redeployed wherever we can and will continue to work with the unions to ensure that their members receive the right redeployment support.

"Our priority is to deliver the scheduled services to viewers and listeners. It is too early to speculate on potential changes to the schedule or which services may be affected."

The 24 hour walkout by NUJ journalists began at midnight Credit: Press Association

The National Union of Journalists has asked the BBC for a moratorium on all job cuts for a six-month period, to allow for talks and negotiation with the new Director-General.

BBC staff frustrated at 'poor decisions' over jobs

NUJ members across the BBC are taking action to defend jobs and quality journalism at the corporation. They are angry and frustrated at the poor decisions being taken at the top of the BBC - decisions that are leading to journalists being forced out of their jobs and quality journalism and programming compromised.

Instead of making sure that the redeployment process works properly in all areas of the BBC, managers are prepared to waste public money on needless redundancies and sacrifice the livelihoods of experienced and talented journalists, at the same time as advertising other jobs externally.

It's particularly disappointing that the BBC has failed to engage meaningfully in attempts to resolve this dispute - an abdication of responsibility for a public service broadcaster.

– Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary

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BBC journalists strike over compulsory redundancies

BBC journalists are staging a 24-hour strike in a row over jobs, threatening disruption to radio and TV news programmes.

BBC Broadcasting House in London, home to the BBC's main newsroom Credit: Press Association

Members of the National Union of Journalists walked out at midnight as part of a campaign against compulsory redundancies.

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