The December Issue: Can The New Yorker Survive Another Century?

Hello, media consumers! Welcome to the first in a monthly series of special episodes in which we take an in-depth look at a single subject and then interview a guest to help us understand that subject. This month’s subject is The New Yorker magazine, and our guest is its editor, David Remnick.

This month’s issue kicks off with a discussion between Bryan and David about Netflix’s new documentary on The New Yorker, The New Yorker at 100, including what they both liked (02:54) and disliked(11:43) about it. Next, they recall their first interactions with The New Yorker (16:08) and then dive into the history of the magazine (22:31). Bryan and David then contemplate some questions about the magazine, including “If you were stuck on a desert island, whose New Yorker collected works would you pick?” (29:36), “What is your favorite New Yorker cover?” (36:31), “What movie or TV show to come out of The New Yorker would you pick?” (45:20), and more. David and Bryan finish their discussion by asking “Can The New Yorker survive another century?”(59:21). The December Issue winds down with an interview with New Yorker editor David Remnick (1:11:17). He and Bryan discuss what it was like having a documentary crew around while he worked, what kind of news outlet he wants The New Yorker to be (1:15:43), how much he wants the magazine to be about the city (1:29:45), and so much more, here on The Press Box.

Hosts: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker

Guest: David Remnick

Producer: Bruce Baldwin

Additional Production Support: Conor Nevins and Ben Cruz