David Remnick, the editor of the New Yorker, shares his journey of transforming the iconic magazine from print to a multifaceted media powerhouse. He discusses the challenges of maintaining quality journalism in today’s digital age while navigating the shift to a subscription model. Remnick reflects on pivotal moments, including his controversial decision regarding Steve Bannon and the magazine’s distinctive voice in political commentary. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to modern trends, like digital subscriptions and audience engagement strategies.
David Remnick transformed The New Yorker from a traditional print magazine into a multifaceted media entity, emphasizing digital innovation and consumer subscriptions.
The podcast highlights the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity while adapting to contemporary media challenges to reach a diverse audience.
Deep dives
Navigating Retrograde and Creative Tools
The podcast discusses how retrograde periods can affect productivity and deadlines, emphasizing that they can bring intense energy and potential chaos. To counteract this, the use of tools like Canva whiteboards is suggested to help with creative blocks, while Canva docs can enhance clarity in communications. Additionally, Canva presentations are mentioned as a way to ensure positive outcomes in sales deals, indicating that leveraging these tools can manifest success at work. It highlights the importance of adapting to challenging circumstances by utilizing technology effectively to boost productivity.
Rethinking Productivity and Work Culture
The podcast explores a shift in understanding productivity, calling out the traditional hustle mentality that often leads to burnout and inefficient work habits. The discussion suggests that conventional metrics of productivity, such as endless to-do lists and back-to-back meetings, are inadequate and promote a culture that is unsustainable. Instead, it advocates for alternative approaches that prioritize meaningful work without succumbing to the pressures of constant activity. This new perspective on productivity aims to foster a healthier work environment that values quality over quantity.
The Evolving Role of Media and Journalism
The conversation then shifts to media and journalism in 2024, particularly the role of prestigious publications like The New Yorker in a rapidly changing landscape dominated by platforms like social media and streaming services. David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise from adapting to new forms of media while preserving the essence of journalistic integrity. The integration of various mediums, including podcasts and digital content, is highlighted as crucial for reaching a broader audience and remaining relevant in a saturated market. Overall, there is an emphasis on the need for traditional media to innovate while maintaining their core values and commitment to quality.
Audience Engagement and the Future of The New Yorker
The podcast concludes by addressing the future of The New Yorker, particularly how to engage with a diverse readership that encompasses various demographics. Remnick expresses the magazine's commitment to being accessible and relevant to readers from all backgrounds, avoiding elitist perceptions. He notes that the magazine must continuously evolve, balancing deep reporting with the need to attract new subscribers amid increasing competition. The discussion reinforces the belief that quality journalism can thrive by connecting with audiences through multiple platforms and thoughtful engagement.
When David Remnick got to the New Yorker in 1998, it was very much a capital M Magazine — it existed on ink and paper, and that was about it. Now it’s still a Magazine, but it’s also everything else you need to be to survive as a media company in 2024 — a robust online publisher, a podcast machine, a video operation, conference host and more. Along the way, it also pivoted from an ad-based business model to one that thrives on consumer subscriptions. And it remains one of my favorite publications, hands down. So I was delighted Remnick took time to talk to me about what has changed at the New Yorker under his tenure, and what hasn’t. Also discussed here: Whether the New Yorker still has special status among owner Conde Nast’s roster of titles; the acquisition Remnick should have made but didn’t; and why he invited, and then uninvited, Steve Bannon to speak at the 2018 New Yorker Festival.
By the way: Welcome to the first episode of Channels! Feel free to send guest suggestions and (just about) anything else my way: pkafka on most of the socials.