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Aznar, 53, who became the prime minister of Spain in 1996, is a friend of News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch.

Anzar, who backed the US and British governments over the invasion of Iraq despite widespread opposition in Spain, was voted out of office in 2004 following the Madrid Al Qaeda bombings.

Murdoch said: "As prime minister of Spain, Aznar earned worldwide respect for his strong economic record and unflinching stand against domestic and international terrorism.

"His impressive grasp of world politics and the realities of globalisation, as well as his clear commitment to fiscal rectitude, will be of great benefit to News Corporation's stockholders."

The Australian-born media mogul is known for his extensive political connections, and has been friends with the Spanish politician for several years, attending the wedding of Aznar's daughter in 2002.

News Corp, which owns 20th Century Fox, News International and BSkyB, said the appointment was not linked to any Spanish nor Latin American media interests.

Of the now 14-strong News Corp board, which also includes former British Airways chief executive Sir Rod Eddington and Murdoch's son Lachlan, Aznar will be the first former politician and first non-native English speaker.

He is currently president of the right-leaning Foundation for Social Studies and Analysis and a scholar at Georgetown University in Washington, where he teaches contemporary European politics. Viet Linh, professor of law at the university, also sits on the News Corp board.

The Financial Times has reported that Murdoch is planning a News Corp seminar in July to discuss global economic, political and environmental change, inviting Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Al Gore and U2 singer Bono to speak to staff.

A News Corp executive said: "Rupert wants everyone in the company to think about the future of the world.

"The future of technology, the environment, poverty, demography - this will all affect who our customers will be."

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