The Fiji Times will now be changing its approach to issues affecting the daily as it is now locally owned.

Publisher Dallas Swinstead made this comment after Fijivillage questioned him about the resignation of Times Editor-in-Chief Netani Rika.

Swinstead said now that the former owners of Fiji Times, News Ltd have left, the Government is dealing with a locally-owned business and it is important that the paper be treated as equals.

When asked on the main reason for Rika's resignation, Swinstead said it was well known that the government and Rika have not been on good terms for some time.

He added that he had discussions with Rika over the past week following which Rika offered to resign.

Swinstead said personally, he has not distinguished himself with the outcome but pragmatically it is the best way forward for the newspaper and its readers.

Meanwhile, Acting editor-in-Chief Fred Wesley said the resignation of Rika is the only change that has been undertaken in the editorial team of the Fiji Times and stressed that there will not be any "headhunting."

The Motibhai Group of companies is the new owners of Fiji Times Limited after officially taking over late last month.


Story by: Paradise Tabucala