The new media super-regulator began its work on Tuesday.

Ofcom replaces five media and communications watchdogs to oversee standards in advertising, TV, telecoms and radio.

It was created by the government through a law replacing nine acts of parliament and more than 260 statutory duties as a way of bringing Britain's media laws into the 21st century.

The head of Ofcom, Lord Currie, said his team was ready to begin its work.

"I was told it would be an impossible job. I disagree. Ofcom is an organisation with huge capability and we're ready to go," he said.

Key challenges for the new regulator will be the move to digital broadcasting and increasing access to high-speed broadband.

It will also carry out a review of public sector broadcasting which is expected to influence the government's renewal of the BBC's royal charter.

More immediate will be its reaction to a possible sale of the Telegraph Group if its owner Hollinger International is broken up.

Former Downing Street official Ed Richards, now Ofcom's director, revealed that the issue is in hand.

"Any deal involving the Telegraph will be subject to a public interest test. We anticipate that we will publish our own guidelines on our duties under the act, when it comes into place," he said.