We are sorry we are not able to bring you our usual program." Instead of using its regular signature tune, the British Broadcasting Corporation began some radio transmissions early last Wednesday morning with an apology. For many viewers and listeners, it was about the only news they got that day. For the first time in 63 years, news programming on the BBC was silenced. The cause: a 24-hour strike. Workers at most of Britain's independent TV and radio stations walked out in support.
The protests were directed at the governing board of the BBC. The previous week, after objections from Prime...