Nicholas Thompson: The Atlantic CEO advocates for quality journalism over algorithm-driven content

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, emphasizes that journalism should not cater to algorithms. Under his leadership, the magazine returned to profitability in April 2024 and will increase print issues from 10 to 12 annually starting January 2025. Thompson, a seasoned journalist and marathon runner, has successfully boosted The Atlantic's subscription base to over one million. He attributes this growth to strategic experimentation and a focus on quality content rather than algorithm-driven stories. Thompson acknowledges the challenges posed by AI in journalism but remains optimistic about its potential benefits. He believes that partnerships with tech companies, like OpenAI, can enhance The Atlantic's reach and influence in the evolving media landscape.