He's back! Joe Aston returns to the AFR

Joe Aston is set to rejoin The Australian Financial Review as a monthly columnist while gearing up to launch his new publishing and podcasting venture, Rampart, on February 10.

Aston, who helmed AFR's Rear Window column for 12 years before stepping down in October 2023, said the move allows him to balance creative independence with his connection to what he calls "the best newspaper in the country."

"This is a great opportunity to forge my own path and build something truly unique in the Australian market, all while staying connected to what I consider the country’s best newspaper," Aston said.

The announcement follows the release of Aston’s debut book, The Chairman’s Lounge, which delves into Qantas’ decline and sparked a political storm involving allegations against the prime minister over flight upgrade requests.

Aston took to social media to announce his new podcasting venture promising to bring audiences "the best analysis on Australian business and finance."

Joe Aston's new venture, RAMPART.

The AFR's editor-in-chief James Chessell praised the return of Aston saying his return is "a great thing for our audience", while Financial Review editor Cosima Marriner said that Aston's decision to return highlight's the masthead's "ability to maintain ties with key people after they step down from big jobs".

As Zoe Samios reports in the AFR, Aston’s new agreement with the publication includes a revenue-sharing model and legal backing for his content. Retail subscribers can access Rampart for $65 monthly or $680 annually when paid upfront.

Aston has partnered with independent media outfit The Squiz to handle Rampart’s operations.

Pictured: Joe Aston

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