Television and radio output were hit by the stoppage, with live programmes worst affected.

But claims over the number of strikers differed vastly between management and union officials. Bectu, which called the industrial action, said 15,000 stayed away, while the BBC put the figure at 3,500.

The two sides are scheduled to have talks again at Acas but another stoppage has been timetabled for next Tuesday.

BBC News makes wide use of digital technology

In an statement, Bectu called the strike a "stunning success" and said many journalists had come out in sympathy with their members.

News programmes were most severely hit by the stoppage, with BBC One's Breakfast News and Radio 4's Today and World at One were blacked out. Recordings of some other programmes were rescheduled.

But coverage of the first Test Match between England and South Africa at Edgbaston went ahead largely uninterrupted.

Computerised technology

The BBC's new rolling TV news channel, News 24, stayed on air thanks to its heavy reliance on computerised technology which uses fewer staff than traditional programmes.

At the heart of the conflict are plans by BBC management to turn part of its technical arm into a wholly-owned subsidiary. Union bosses say this is the first step towards widespread privatisation in the corporation.

Also at issue are plans to introduce multi-skilling among staff.

Gerry Morrissey: "We are not luddites"

Bectu's Broadcasting Officer, Gerry Morrissey, rejected the claim that the union was unwilling to move with the times.

"We are not luddites. The unions have said we are prepared to embrace the new ways of working," he said.

"However, we need guarantees out of this, that people's jobs will be protected and we will have re-training and not redundancies; and it will not mean that salaries will be depressed."

Colin Browne: "This is a time of great excitement"

The BBC's Director of Corporate Affairs, Colin Browne, said the imminent launch of digital services demanded new working practices.

"This is a time of great excitement for the BBC. We are all in this industry about to launch into the digital age," he said.