Who says magazines can’t survive- Atlantic magazine’s 167-year-old subscriptions exceed one million_1

The October cover of The Atlantic magazine highlights a significant milestone for the publication, which boasts a rich history of 167 years. In an era dominated by online media, The Atlantic stands out as it recently surpassed one million subscribers, prompting the announcement of an increase in the number of print issues.

On October 10, CNN reported that The Atlantic has celebrated a surge in subscribers, with nearly half choosing both print and digital subscriptions. The magazine will also expand its publishing frequency from ten issues a year to twelve, returning to its former identity as The Atlantic Monthly, a monthly publication prior to 2002.

In an interview with CNN, Editor Jeffrey Goldberg remarked, “Our team produces exceptional journalistic content. A beautifully designed and well-crafted magazine has an enduring appeal.”

As its sales rise, The Atlantic is also regaining profitability, with the largest shareholder being billionaire philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

Goldberg expressed a desire to engage face-to-face with readers, stating, “Our audience appreciates print magazines. The permanence of print in today’s digital world offers a unique value that is hard to replace. The beauty of print publications lies in their ability to provide a lasting experience for readers.” He emphasized that “print doesn’t make noise, doesn’t flicker, and doesn’t direct readers. It simply offers the pleasure of reading, allowing people to experience both knowledge and aesthetics.”

The increase in The Atlantic’s sales comes at a time when traditional media is facing significant challenges. As the digital era has reshaped the industry, many media companies have been forced to downsize, lay off staff, or even shut down, particularly amid declines in TV viewership and the rise of social media. Consequently, media outlets must boost subscription numbers to remain viable.

Goldberg reiterated to his team through a memo, “I never believed that after enjoying a long, carefree holiday, we could just relax.” He added, “We have a vital mission to uphold in a industry that is quite harsh, requiring us to continually grow, innovate, and strive to outpace our competitors.”

The decision to increase publication frequency may not be commonplace, but it signifies that many authors and subscribers continue to value traditional print media. Additionally, Goldberg announced plans to further expand the magazine’s coverage to include topics like defense, technology, and global conflicts, emphasizing, “I hope The Atlantic becomes the go-to publication for readers seeking knowledge and inspiration in these critical areas.”