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    The Atlantic
    Media and Publishing

    The Atlantic

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    "Journalism of no party or clique"

    Founded March 1857 Washington, D.C. CEO: Nicholas Thompson
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    About

    Founded in Boston in 1857 by a circle of intellectuals including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., The Atlantic began as a monthly magazine dedicated to serious debate on education, slavery, and political reform. For nearly two centuries, the publication has maintained its commitment to long-form analysis while navigating the shifting tides of American media. The brand now operates from Washington, D.C., where it continues to publish deep-dive reporting on global affairs, domestic policy, and culture.

    Nicholas Thompson took the helm as CEO and Editor-in-Chief in early 2024 after leading Wired and the Wirecutter at The New York Times. His leadership marked a decisive shift toward digital subscriptions and audio storytelling, launching a network of podcasts like The Atlantic Podcast and expanding the newsletter ecosystem. In 2021, Jeff Bezos' investment firm Bezos Expeditions acquired a majority stake, providing capital for aggressive expansion into video content and live events such as the annual Atlantic Festival.

    Products & Sub-brands

    The Atlantic MonthlyThe Atlantic Digital SubscriptionAtlantic Podcast NetworkAtlantic FestivalDaily Newsletter Suite

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns The Atlantic?
    The Atlantic is owned by Bezos Expeditions, the investment vehicle of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who purchased a majority stake in 2021 alongside other investors.
    Who is the CEO of The Atlantic?
    Nicholas Thompson currently serves as the CEO and Editor-in-Chief, having assumed the role in early 2024 after previously leading Wired and The New York Times' Wirecutter.
    Is The Atlantic still in business?
    Yes, The Atlantic is actively operating and expanding, publishing daily articles, podcasts, and hosting live festivals despite internal strategic discussions reported in late 2026.
    What is the difference between The Atlantic and The New Yorker?
    While both are prestigious long-form magazines, The Atlantic focuses more heavily on contemporary politics, foreign policy, and science, whereas The New Yorker traditionally emphasizes fiction, humor, and cultural criticism.
    How much does a The Atlantic subscription cost?
    Digital subscriptions start at approximately $89.99 per year, offering unlimited access to articles, newsletters, and audio content across all devices.

    Keywords

    journalismpoliticsculturelong-formnon-partisandigital mediapodcastsWashington DCJeff BezosNicholas Thompson

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    Company Info

    Founded
    March 1857
    Founder
    Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
    CEO
    Nicholas Thompson
    Headquarters
    Washington, D.C.
    Industry
    Media and Publishing
    Parent Company
    Bezos Expeditions
    Acquisition Year
    2021
    CEO Since
    January 2024
    Original Name
    The Atlantic Monthly

    Official Website

    www.theatlantic.com/

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