News Limited in Australia has named Anne Fussell as the new managing director of Fiji Times Limited.

Her appointment comes just one week after the deportation of publisher and acting chief executive Rex Gardner.

Fussell starts work on Monday.

"Anne's appointment underlines our continuing commitment to the Fiji Times stable of newspapers. They will remain free and independent publications with the full support of News Limited," said News Ltd chairman and CEO John Hartigan.

Fussell said she was excited and delighted to join the team in Fiji.

"It's a great privilege to be able to be part of a team that has consistently taken a front-line role in upholding the fundamental principles of a free and vibrant media," she said.

"I am confident we will continue to provide a key voice for the people of Fiji." FT Online/Pacific Media Watch), 06/02/09.