The Atlantic’s Signalgate Boost & CNN’s Zucker Redux
Mar 28, 2025
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Dylan Byers, a seasoned journalist and author of "In the Room," joins to dissect big media topics. He delves into how The Atlantic has boosted its standing among elites with powerful scoops, particularly regarding military operations. The discussion shifts to CNN's attempts at revitalization after the debacle of CNN Plus, highlighting key staffing changes and strategic pivots aimed at regaining relevance. Byers emphasizes the importance of credible journalism amid fierce competition and evolving dynamics in the media landscape.
The Atlantic's recent success, driven by impactful journalism and strong leadership, has significantly enhanced its reputation among political and media elites.
CNN's restructuring efforts, including rehiring key personnel, highlight its struggle to adapt to digital demands amidst declining viewership.
Deep dives
The Atlantic's Resilient Success
Despite claims of being a failing publication, The Atlantic is thriving, particularly highlighted by Jeffrey Goldberg’s recent scoop on sensitive military communications in a group chat. The magazine has successfully turned around its financial situation over the past few years, moving from significant losses to profitability, thanks to strong leadership from Jeffrey Goldberg and CEO Nick Thompson. Their ability to capture the current political climate and produce impactful journalism has positioned The Atlantic as a leading voice in political media, especially amid a landscape where many legacy outlets struggle. This success underscores the importance of relevance and intelligent reporting in maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.
CNN's Struggles and Changes
CNN is undergoing significant internal changes as it attempts to reestablish itself, particularly following the dissolution of its streaming service, CNN Plus. Recently, the network has rehired key personnel from the previous CNN Plus team, hinting at a renewed strategy aimed at bolstering its digital presence and adapting to modern media consumption habits. This shift signifies an acknowledgment that the initial approach to building a digital business may have merit, despite previous failures and difficulties in execution. However, CNN's overall viewership has declined, raising concerns about whether these changes may come too late to revitalize interest in the brand.
Questions About Future Strategies
As CNN recruits talent to rebuild its digital strategy, there remains uncertainty regarding the effective direction and future of its streaming ambitions. Critics of the original CNN Plus initiative argue that the programming was misaligned with audience desires, complicating the potential for attracting and maintaining subscribers. The network's recent decisions, including the hiring of experienced individuals from past initiatives, raise questions about whether it is capable of innovating sufficiently to meet current demands in the competitive media landscape. The need for fresh ideas versus reliance on familiar faces is a dilemma that CNN must navigate carefully to regain relevance and audience trust.
Dylan Byers joins Peter to discuss the chatter swirling around The Atlantic, which made the headlines this week after E.I.C. Jeffrey Goldberg revealed that he was added to a group chat filled with high-ranking national security officials discussing war plans—and why the imbroglio has boosted the magazine’s reputation among the political and media elite. Then, Dylan breaks down what CNN’s latest hires reveals about Mark Thompson’s digital transformation master plan.
