The draft communications bill today comes under fire from a joint Westminster committee of MPs and peers.

The committee expresses concern at proposals to remove laws restricting the ownership of Channel 5.

"Newspapers, television and radio are not like cans of beans, they are not just another economic product to be bought and sold," said committee member Lord McNally.

He called for OfCom, the media watchdog, to be given a wider remit.

Members of the committee, which include director Lord Puttnam, warn that should the government ignore their proposals, they will face stiff opposition when the bill reaches parliament.