The new communications super-regulator should include a division dedicated to the interests of viewers, according to Towers Perrin, the consultancy that is advising on the creation Ofcom.

This division would become responsible for viewer complaints and advertising codes, areas that are currently handled by the broadcast standards council and independent television commission respectively.

The division would also assess the programming statements that are issued annually by ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Towers Perrin, which has been commissioned by the five regulators Ofcom will replace, published its blueprint for the new super-regulator today.

The proposed structure recommends the regulator be split into five main divisions: audience interests; communications strategy and policy; networks, service and spectrum planning; networks and service compliance; and spectrum customer services for non-broadcast and non-telecom users.

Towers Perrin has also recommended setting up a dedicated radio group to work across the five main operating divisions and handle radio licensing and content regulation.

In a joint statement, the ITC, BSC, radio authority, Oftel and the radiocommunications agency said: "We are not determining the final structure but want to make it as easy as we can for the new Ofcom board to handle the very demanding agenda they will face if the government's target date is to be met."

Under the new proposals, the networks, service and spectrum planning division will oversee telecoms spectrum licensing and telephone numbering, while the networks and service compliance division will be responsible for enforcing competition regulation.

It is thought the strategy and policy division will have regular contact with the proposed Ofcom consumer panel.

Ofcom's chairman, chief executive and board are expected to be appointed by mid 2002. The new regulator should be fully operational by the end of 2003.

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