Chambers helped write many of Robbie Williams' hits

Guy Chambers told BBC Radio Five Live that downloads would need to be included to make the singles countdown match musical trends.

He said it was positive "that a band that isn't signed can get a following through the internet".

"I'm all for bands developing a following without the help of a major label," Chambers said.

"I don't see why all the major labels should have all the action. They've made some terrible mistakes investing in crap. They're paying a high price now."

Soured relationship

Chambers, who co-wrote songs such as Angels and Let Me Entertain You, was nominated for an award at this year's Ivor Novello awards for Williams' 2002 hit Feel, which was the biggest airplay track in Europe last year.

He said he was sympathetic to teenagers downloading tracks because they did not have much money.

"If I was 18 I don't think I would feel guilty, because your average 18-year-old doesn't have any money, and you do tend to be mad about music," he said.

He confirmed that his writing relationship with Williams had soured, and that it was uncertain if they would write together again.

"Certainly not this year," he said.

"I think we both took one another for granted a little bit, it got a bit stale and we needed a break.