The New Yorker is undoubtedly one of America’s most iconic magazines. Its witty cartoons, in-depth journalism, and cultural commentary have had a profound impact on American society. However, despite being a beloved publication, some people are still unclear about what kind of audience reads The New Yorker. In this article, we will explore the type of people who gravitate towards this celebrated publication.
The New Yorker has a reputation for being a pretentious magazine targeted at the intellectual elite. While there is some truth to this assertion, it is not entirely accurate. The magazine’s audience is not limited to the Ivy League-educated intellectuals, although they do make up a part of its readership. The New Yorker has a broader range of readers, including academics, writers, artists, corporate executives, and professionals. The magazine attracts a diverse group of people who share a passion for culture, arts, and literature.
One way to determine the type of audience that reads The New Yorker is to look at its circulation figures. According to the Alliance for Audited Media, in 2020 the magazine had a circulation of over one million, with a majority being subscribers. The readership of The New Yorker is predominantly from urban centers like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Thus, it is safe to say that the magazine appeals to a demographic of city dwellers who have a strong interest in culture and intellectual pursuits.
The New Yorker targets a literary audience. Anyone who has read the magazine for an extended period knows that it values quality writing and storytelling over anything else. The publication publishes a variety of fiction genres, from short stories by emerging writers to serializations of novellas and excerpts from longer works. The New Yorker is home to some of the best writers and journalists in the world. The magazine has been publishing the works of greats like James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and John Updike for decades.
The New Yorker is also known for its political commentary, with many of its articles examining the political, social and economic issues that affect American society. As such, the magazine is read by politically awakened individuals who are interested in staying informed about current events. The magazine’s political writing isn’t only limited to the U.S. as they often cover significant world events, exploring and breaking down various scenarios affecting global economic stability, and presenting an informed opinion aiming to keep its readers updated and aware of what’s happening around the world.
Another factor that attracts readers to The New Yorker is its stance on diversity and inclusion. The magazine has long upheld a reputation for bringing new perspectives to the table and has been a strong advocate for marginalized communities. Its publication of writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ta-Nehisi Coates and Alexandra Schwartz has been a step forward in amplifying diverse voices. Readers who value inclusion and hearing from various communities are attracted to the magazine and see it as a reflection of their values.
The New Yorker’s readers are also interested in the arts. The publication’s extensive coverage of the arts, such as theater, movies, music and art exhibitions, offer their readers unrivalled insight into these fields. For readers who work in or have an interest in the creative industry, The New Yorker is an essential read.
In conclusion, The New Yorker is a magazine that attracts a broad range of people but is generally oriented towards the intellectual class. The publication has something for everyone, from political commentary to diverse perspectives on culture and the arts. It is a publication that values quality writing and storytelling, and readership based on a quest for knowledge along with an insatiable desire for new perspectives on different issues affecting society. The audience for The New Yorker is mainly composed of city dwellers, politically aware individuals that value inclusivity, diversity, and intellectual pursuits. In summary, everyone who appreciates a good read and values quality journalism seems to be attracted to the magazine, and it shows in their continuously high circulation numbers. The New Yorker is a magazine that is well worth exploring, regardless of where one falls on the intellectual spectrum.
Keywords: The New Yorker, audience, circulation figures, literary audience, political commentary, diversity and inclusion, arts, readership, intellectual pursuits, quality writing, storytelling.