BBC journalists to strike over layoffs

London, Feb 17 (AP) BBC journalists are set to go on strike for 24 hours in a dispute over layoffs, potentially disrupting the broadcaster's programming. Members of the National Union of Journalists will walk off the job at Sunday midnight, and picket lines will be set up outside of BBC offices around the UK. The union, which says jobs will be cut across the corporation, has asked the BBC for a six-month moratorium on all job cuts to allow for talks and negotiation. The BBC said today it was "too early" to speculate on possible disruptions to the broadcaster's programming and expressed disappointment over the strike plans. It said it understands how difficult layoffs can be and that it is working hard to ensure staff members are redeployed wherever possible. (AP) ASK 02172307 NNNN