Chris Smith was axed by Tony Blair

The plans are at the heart of the BBC's plans for its digital future and director general Greg Dyke is pressing for an early decision.

Digital television is one issue central to the broader Communications White Paper, which needs to be steered through parliament.

Ms Jowell will have to balance the needs of commercial broadcasters as well as the needs of viewers and regulators, if the white paper is to become a bill.

Tony Stoller, chief executive of the Radio Authority, told BBC News Online there was a lot of work needed to be done before the bill could be passed.

'Urgent work'

"The first thing to be settled by the government as a whole is whether the proposed white paper will be dealt with in the first session of parliament.

"If so, there is some urgent work to be done because there are central points yet to be decided."

Mr Stoller said the minister had to address the "issues of ownership of radio stations and cross ownership of radio stations and newspapers because the white paper does not adequately address them".

He added: "They are also going to have to look again at the relationship between the BBC and Ofcom."

'Broader role'

Under the current proposals the BBC would continue to be regulated by its board of governors rather than by a proposed new regulatory body - Ofcom - which would incorporate the Independent Television Commission, Office of Telecommunications, the Broadcasting Standards Commission and Radio Authority.

Greg Dyke: Pressing for an early decision on digital channels

"The vast majority of responses on the issue say they would like Ofcom to have a broader role with regard the BBC," said Mr Stoller.

Members of the Commons Culture Committee, chaired by veteran Labour MP Gerald Kaufman in the last parliament, have said they want the BBC to be fully regulated by the proposed new communications watchdog.

Media ownership will remain a thorny issue for the government and the minister as the ITV companies, lead by Granada and Carlton, look ever nearer to establishing a single commercial broadcasting network.

Further afield

The two companies are also set to renew their fight for the right to control ITN, who provide news coverage to the ITV network.

Tessa Jowell will also have a hand in deciding who will take over from Sir Christopher Bland as the next chairman of the BBC.

The current deputy Gavyn Davies is the favourite for the post although critics have pointed to his Labour connections as a reason for looking further afield.

In the arts world, Chris Smith was successful in securing an extra �100m a year for the arts in England but Gerry Robinson, chair at the arts council, has already made it clear he will be pressing for more.