Dudes posting their Ws
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why is the economist so much more expensive than the atlantic? is it more expensive to run the economist?
Great question. The price difference between The Economist and The Atlantic is noticeable—The Economist can cost $200+ per year, while The Atlantic is often under $60, with frequent discounts. This isn’t just price-gouging; it reflects both business model and content differences.
Key reasons why The Economist is more expensive:
1. Editorial Model & Scope
- International Focus: The Economist covers global economics, business, politics, and finance, with correspondents and reporting from around the world. This international scope is broader than The Atlantic, which, while respected, focuses primarily on U.S. issues and culture.
- Original Reporting: The Economist claims a lot of original analysis, data journalism, and reporting that requires more staff and more travel, rather than relying heavily on freelance contributors or commentary.
2. Audience & Perceived Value
- Target Audience: The Economist targets professionals in business, finance, and policy, who often expense the subscription or consider it a career investment. The Atlantic’s audience is broader and more general-interest.
- Willingness to Pay: The Economist can charge more because its audience is less price-sensitive and sees direct value (e.g., for work, investing, or academic research).
3. Cost Structure
- International Operations: Running a global news operation costs more: foreign bureaus, data analysis, travel, and higher editorial salaries.
- Production Quality: The Economist also spends more on detailed graphics, economic modeling, and maintaining a larger editorial staff per article.
4. Subscription Strategy
- Premium Branding: The Economist deliberately positions itself as a premium, niche product. The higher price signals exclusivity and quality.
- Discounting: The Atlantic aggressively discounts subscriptions to boost readership and advertising numbers, relying more on ads, sponsored content, and volume.
5. Advertising Mix
- The Atlantic relies more on advertising, events, and partnerships. The Economist has historically focused more on reader revenue and keeps ads less intrusive, so needs higher subscription fees.
6. Print vs. Digital
- The Economist still invests heavily in its print edition and global distribution, which is expensive. The Atlantic is now almost entirely digital.
Is it more expensive to run The Economist?
Yes, in most ways: The Economist’s editorial operations, staffing, and global reach make it much more expensive to run than a magazine with a mostly U.S.-based or commentary-driven model like The Atlantic.
But: A big part of the price difference is market positioning. The Economist charges what its audience will pay.
In summary:
The Economist costs more because it’s more expensive to produce, but also because it can charge more for what it offers.Let me know if you want details on actual circulation, finances, or staffing!
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@Mik said in Dudes posting their Ws:
Plus Atlantic is a biased rag.
Is the Economist more or less biased than the Atlantic?
How do you know that?@Axtremus said in Dudes posting their Ws:
@Mik said in Dudes posting their Ws:
Plus Atlantic is a biased rag.
Is the Economist more or less biased than the Atlantic?
How do you know that?I read.
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@Axtremus said in Dudes posting their Ws:
@Mik said in Dudes posting their Ws:
Plus Atlantic is a biased rag.
Is the Economist more or less biased than the Atlantic?
How do you know that?I read.
@Mik said in Dudes posting their Ws:
@Axtremus said in Dudes posting their Ws:
@Mik said in Dudes posting their Ws:
Plus Atlantic is a biased rag.
Is the Economist more or less biased than the Atlantic?
How do you know that?I read.
First question left unanswered.
How do you know you are not biased?
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Pretty impressive, but in the final analysis the guy needs to get a job.
"You cannot subsidize irresponsibility and expect people to become more responsible." — Thomas Sowell
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@Mik said in Dudes posting their Ws:
Pretty impressive, but in the final analysis the guy needs to get a job.
Leave him be - at least he isn't posting political "analysis" from his car.
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@Mik said in Dudes posting their Ws:
Pretty impressive, but in the final analysis the guy needs to get a job.
He’s likely a Federal Employee or Contractor working remotely.
I’d almost be willing to bet on it…
