Two of Tasmania’s most experienced political analysts have launched a new podcast to fill the void left by the FontCast, which wrapped up late last year.
Poll Position, hosted by Brad Stansfield and Alex Johnston, will focus primarily on Tasmanian politics while occasionally touching on federal issues.
The podcast is a continuation of the FontCast, which ended after seven years and 155 episodes when Font PR founding director Becher Townshend announced his retirement.
“The biggest question I got was not, what are you doing, Brad? It was, what about The Fontcast?” Stansfield said on the inaugural episode.
“Well, we are here, we are back and we are hoping to give you something which is a fontcast on steroids, I suppose.”
Johnston said the FontCast had built a loyal following despite its niche focus on state politics.
“The Fontcast did have some loyal listeners, and I got similar questions, so hopefully this scratches that itch,” he said.
Both hosts bring extensive experience in Tasmanian politics and media to the new venture.
Johnston spent two decades in and around state politics, including stints as a political reporter for Southern Cross and WIN News and as an adviser to several Labor leaders and the three Jacquie Lambie Network MPs elected in 2021.
Stansfield worked as chief of staff to former premier Will Hodgman from 2010 to 2018.
He now runs polling company Enterprise Marketing and Research Services (EMRS).
The new podcast is being produced from the former Font PR office on Collins Street in Hobart, which now houses EMRS.
Font PR closed last year when Townshend retired after 23 years in public relations. He is continuing as chair of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The first episode of Poll Position covered several current political stories, including the recent controversy over Labor MP’s playing a drinking game at the Taste of Summer.
It also covered the shock resignation of Helen Burnet from the Greens and new EMRS polling around support for Australia Day.
