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Atlantic Denies Going Tabloid

Spears cover story raises eyebrows among loyal readers

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Mar 12, 2008 4:59 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Loyal Atlantic subscribers are in for a shock: Britney Spears graces the April cover. Though the magazine has showcased Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart, the prime real estate granted to the pop-tart has some questioning the effect dropping advertising and newsstand sales are having on the venerable journal's direction—and how such changes affect other magazines on the remake.

Will readers and advertisers stay true, Advertising Age wonders, to the Atlantic and magazines like Reader's Digest, which recently introduced a new design? "If this is the new direction, they may as well just call themselves one of Rupert Murdoch's tabloids," says one reader. The Atlantic’s editor insists the look at the industry built upon Spears is in line with the magazine’s coverage of cultural issues.

The editor of the Economist, one of the Atlantic's competitors, says he would consider putting Britney on its cover only if she became president of the World Bank.
The editor of the Economist, one of the Atlantic's competitors, says he would consider putting Britney on its cover only if she became president of the World Bank.   (The Economist)
The Atlantic's cover story on Britney Spears has raised some eyebrows with loyal readers, who don't expect the pop star on the cover of an intellectual journal.
The Atlantic's cover story on Britney Spears has raised some eyebrows with loyal readers, who don't expect the pop star on the cover of an intellectual journal.   (everybody in brooklyn)
The March issue of the Atlantic is more in line with what readers are used to: in-depth analysis of politics and issues like religion.
The March issue of the Atlantic is more in line with what readers are used to: in-depth analysis of politics and issues like religion.   (The Atlantic)
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What's next, Paris Hilton?
everybody in brooklyn

 
media • Britney Spears • advertising • magazine • ad revenue • advertising sales • magazine industry • The Atlantic • David Bradley • Justin Smith • Reader's Digest • print journalism

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