Mixed Signals from Semafor Media David Remnick on 100 years of the New Yorker, Netflix stardom, and why Trump was late to meet him
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Dec 5, 2025 
David Remnick, the longtime editor-in-chief of The New Yorker, discusses the magazine's evolution over its century-long existence. He shares insights on shifting from ad revenue to subscription models, emphasizing reader expectations for depth over hot takes. Remnick reflects on the challenges of adapting to digital media, reveals the role of AI in storytelling, and criticizes social media's toxic environment. He also shares a humorous anecdote about meeting Trump and highlights the importance of defending press freedom in today's landscape.
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Thrown Into The Editor Role In 1998
- Remnick became editor in 1998 with no prior editing experience after Tina Brown left abruptly.
- He inherited a print-first magazine and had to learn on the job as digital change loomed.
Prioritize Subscriptions Over Ads
- Shift revenue emphasis from advertising to subscriptions to stabilize magazine finances.
- Charge readers appropriately and prioritize loyal readership over ad dependence.
Readers Value Stately, High-Quality Journalism
- The New Yorker's readers want depth and quality, not fast hot takes or web metabolism.
- Maintaining a stately editorial rhythm preserves the magazine's core audience and value.
