United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1857
Ownership
The Atlantic was founded in 1857 in Boston. Since 2017 it has been majority-owned by Emerson Collective, the philanthropic and investment organization founded in 2011 by Laurene Powell Jobs, the billionaire widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Emerson Collective bought a majority stake from businessman David Bradley, whose Atlantic Media had owned the title since 1999; Bradley retained a minority interest before fully exiting.
Funding
The Atlantic is financed commercially through paid digital subscriptions and a metered paywall, print circulation, advertising, and live events. Emerson Collective's deep-pocketed backing has subsidized expansion of the newsroom, and the magazine has reported reaching profitability on the strength of subscription growth.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially the magazine sits center-left and is known for long-form journalism and commentary, but it has no party, church or state control. Because it is privately and commercially owned by an independent ownership group with editorial independence from any political party or government, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 202
67/100
Factual
62/100
Objective
239
Articles
239
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
OpenAI will start watermarking ChatGPT’s text in the EU
OpenAI announced it will begin adding an invisible watermark to text generated by ChatGPT and Codex in the European Union to comply with the EU AI Act. The watermark, called textGrain, subtly alters word choices in a way that can be detected by specialized tools but remains imperceptible to readers. It is designed to travel with the text when copied and does not identify individual users. The feature will initially be available to eligible users in the EU and developers using OpenAI’s API globally, though it will not be enabled by default. OpenAI acknowledged that the watermark can be partially removed through editing and noted that short texts or translations may be harder to detect. The company emphasized that the presence of a watermark does not confirm human authorship, as content could have been edited or generated by other AI systems. This follows similar moves by Anthropic, which faced criticism for its approach, and aligns with the EU’s guidelines on AI transparency.
The Curse of the Incumbent
In Brazil's recent presidential election, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fell behind his challenger, Flávio Bolsonaro, in the first round of voting, setting up a runoff election on October 25. Lula, a leftist leader who previously served as president from 2003 to 2011, faces challenges including rising crime rates and a corruption scandal. His opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, represents a continuation of right-wing politics in Brazil. The article draws parallels between Brazil's current political climate and a broader global trend of anti-incumbent sentiment seen in various elections worldwide, including the 2024 U.S. presidential race where Donald Trump made a comeback. This phenomenon reflects voter dissatisfaction with existing leadership and democratic institutions, potentially leading to increased political instability.
Hegseth’s One Percent
The article analyzes Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent speeches emphasizing the role of junior military personnel, drawing on biblical references and historical examples. Hegseth cites Isaiah 6:8, highlighting a call to service, while omitting a preceding verse that critiques corruption and injustice. The article critiques Hegseth's persona, describing him as controversial due to his rhetoric on military standards and personal conduct. Despite this, the author acknowledges the importance of taking Hegseth's ideas seriously. Hegseth recently addressed U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, referring to them as 'the real one percent' of society, suggesting they possess a unique perspective different from the general population. The article challenges this notion, arguing that historically, major American conflicts have relied on broader societal participation rather than just elite military personnel.
Photos: Human-Tower Season
The article presents a collection of photographs capturing participants in human tower competitions during festivals in Tarragona and Barcelona, Spain, in late 2026. It highlights various groups such as Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls, Castellers de Vilafranca, and others engaging in the traditional Catalan activity of building human towers, known as 'castells.' Images depict both successful formations and moments of falls during attempts, showing the physical challenges involved. Some photos show teams recovering after falls, while others capture the completion of towers and celebrations. The focus is purely on the visual aspects of these cultural events, emphasizing the skill, teamwork, and tradition associated with the practice.
What Is Zionism?
The article explores the evolution and current perception of the term 'Zionism' in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. It notes that while Zionism originally referred to the movement to establish a Jewish state, which was realized with the creation of Israel in 1948, the term today carries significant controversy. Following the attack and Israel's military response in Gaza, public sentiment toward Israel shifted dramatically, especially in the West. Prominent figures like former U.S. President Joe Biden have publicly identified as Zionists, but such declarations are increasingly rare due to the polarizing nature of the term. The article highlights how the term has been co-opted by extremist groups on both the far left and far right, often associated with conspiracy theories, mental illness, or moral corruption. These associations have led to the term being used pejoratively, even by some self-identified Jews who reject the label.
<em>The Atlantic</em> Announces Mike Isaac as Staff Writer
The Atlantic has announced that Mike Isaac will join the publication as a staff writer later this year. Isaac is known for his investigative journalism, particularly covering major technology companies like Meta and Uber, and has previously worked as a technology reporter for The New York Times for 12 years. He is also the author of 'Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber,' which was adapted into a Showtime series. Isaac will begin his role in December and will continue to be based in the Bay Area. This hiring comes as The Atlantic aims to strengthen its presence in Silicon Valley. Other recent hires include Sophie Haigney, Robert F. Worth, Zachary Fryer-Biggs, Jebediah Reed, Alex Stockton, Lindsey Sitz, and Kevin Roose.
The Upgrade Holdouts
The article discusses the growing trend among some Americans who refuse to upgrade their technology, despite the industry's push for constant innovation. These 'upgrade holdouts' include older individuals who find learning new interfaces challenging, minimalist users who prefer simpler technology, and anti-consumerists who seek autonomy. Some holdouts, like Larye Parkins and Mike Tyran, use outdated devices that are now museum-worthy, citing cost savings and environmental concerns. They resist planned obsolescence, arguing against the deliberate design of short-lived products. The piece highlights how these holdouts challenge the mainstream narrative of continuous technological advancement.
Using the Power of the Government to Win Elections
The article discusses the alleged misuse of governmental power by the Trump administration to gain an electoral advantage. It argues that the administration is using federal resources and positions to support Republican candidates, including influencing media coverage, threatening aid withholdals, and funding pro-Trump propaganda. The piece criticizes the administration's disregard for the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from using their official capacity to influence elections. While enforcement of the law exists, it is selectively applied, with examples like FEMA workers allegedly violating the act by ignoring pro-Trump signs during hurricane recovery efforts. The author highlights the ethical breach of maintaining impartiality in governance.
Movies Are Undeniably Back
The article announces the launch of 'Video Village,' a new weekly newsletter by film critic David Sims, focusing on cinematic discoveries and discussions. It highlights a resurgence in the movie industry, noting increased ticket sales, a thriving box office, and the success of diverse films beyond superhero genres. Examples include Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' and low-budget films like 'Obsession.' The piece reflects Sims' personal enthusiasm for cinema and his role in critiquing and contextualizing films while engaging with filmmakers. The newsletter aims to foster a community around film appreciation, offering curated content and recommendations.
She Wanted to Have Three Kids. Then Life Happened.
Rachel Somerstein initially wanted to have three children but experienced a traumatic childbirth that led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making her hesitant about future pregnancies. After four and a half years, she gave birth to her second child but now believes she might have had another child sooner if not for the difficult first delivery. Her experience reflects a common pattern where women's desired family sizes change due to various life factors. Researchers note that while many young women express a desire for two or three children, this often reflects societal norms rather than personal certainty. Recent studies show increasing uncertainty among women about their family size, with some expressing ambivalence or lack of clarity about how many children they will have.
When Anesthesia Goes Wrong
Freddy Marquez, a 12-year-old boy, suffered severe complications after undergoing a scar revision surgery in 2024. His parents, Joana Jardin and Freddy's father, waited anxiously in the hospital waiting room for several hours without updates. When Freddy was finally allowed to see his mother, he was barely conscious, disoriented, and experiencing unusual side effects such as nausea and irritability. Over the following days, Freddy exhibited alarming neurological symptoms including facial muscle loss, tremors, choking, loss of balance, and sensations described as electrical shocks. After multiple MRIs revealed signs of damaged neurons in his brain, doctors continued to administer anesthesia despite parental concerns. Freddy's condition fluctuated between improvement and worsening, leading his family to question the safety of the medical procedures used.
Waiting on Marco
The article discusses the high hopes of Cuban exiles in Miami regarding Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the U.S. operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. At a church service in Miami, Rubio was celebrated by Cuban Americans, many of whom believe he could lead efforts to overthrow Cuba's socialist government. However, over the past nine months, these hopes have faded due to stalled negotiations with Cuban officials and Rubio's more moderate stance on Cuba. Cuban exiles, both old and young, remain wary of disappointment, recalling past failed attempts at regime change. Some have taken personal steps to connect with Rubio, hoping to influence his decisions on Cuba.
An <em>SNL</em> Sketch That Understands How the Internet Shapes Our Reality
An SNL sketch explores how the internet shapes individual realities through personalized algorithms, using a sleepover scene where three teenage girls share their favorite 'get-ready-with-me' videos. One girl becomes obsessed with a bizarre influencer named @ColoradoVicky1, whose content includes absurd scenarios like preparing for electroshock therapy and planning a lobotomy. Her friends are unsettled by her choices, highlighting the growing disconnect between personal online experiences and shared reality. Meanwhile, the girl's father is shown struggling with depression, exacerbated by his online activities, including dressing as Sailor Moon and gambling with real money. The sketch critiques how personalized content can lead to isolation and distorted perceptions of reality.