Q+A Signs Highly Respected Political Scientist

13th February 2010

Dr Jon Johansson of Victoria University joins TV ONE’s award winning political programme Q+A from tomorrow as a regular analyst.

Jon is a lecturer in Comparative Politics at Victoria University in Wellington, he will be alternating with Dr Therese Arseneau of Canterbury University on Q+A’s Panel.

Jon has recently returned from Georgetown University in Washington DC where he studied and tutored for a semester as the Fulbright Visiting Scholar. Before he left in mid-2009 he published his most recent book on New Zealand politics, entitled The Politics of Possibility: Leadership in Changing Times.

“Jon’s a great addition to our small crew; he’s highly respected in political circles, fiercely independent and audiences respond well to his quick wit. His contacts and close study of New Zealand politics has made him one of the country’s top analysts and he’s also a sharp observer of international affairs,” says Q+A Producer, Tim Watkin.

As for Jon, he’s looking forward to analysing the same subject matter in a new and quite different medium, “one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is to try and help translate the wilderness of mirrors that is politics so that our politicians can be tested about their choices and the public are as informed as they can be about theirs, says Dr Johansson.

“I hope to bring the perspective of someone who is allied to no group or faction but who does possess a deep respect for our democracy and its practice.”

“The 2011 election is an important one because of the MMP referendum and ‘Q & A’ is the premier platform to canvass all the viewpoints leading up to it.”

Tim Watkin believes Q+A will also play a leading media role in the lead up to the 2011 election, “non-partisan comment will be vital to good political debate, I’m confident we will deliver that because Jon and Therese are this country’s best”.

Tomorrow on Q + A

In the wake of the Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament, John Key will be interviewed by Guyon Espiner about whether his plan can really effect an economic “step change”?

Paul Holmes will interview head of the Minerals Industry Assoc Doug Gordon and Greens Co-leader Russel Norman about the government’s plans to start mining on conservation land. The pair will debate whether or not New Zealand should go for gold.

Paul and Jon Johansson will be joined by Business New Zealand CEO Phil O’Reilly and Maxine Gay of the National Distribution Union on the panel.

Q + A is broadcast live 9-10am Sunday on TV ONE and repeated on TVNZ 7 at 9.10pm on Sunday nights and 10.10am and 2.10pm on Mondays.

ENDS

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