The Atlantic Union: We must have a voice in how AI affects our work

NEW YORK—Unionized journalists at The Atlantic, led by a group of the magazine’s most prominent writers, presented a letter to editorial management on Thursday demanding that the company put their journalism first when it comes to AI. 

The letter, signed by nearly 60 journalists who make up The Atlantic Union and represented by the NewsGuild of New York, was addressed to Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, and Nicholas Thompson, The Atlantic’s CEO. The union’s bargaining committee presented the letter during Thursday’s bargaining session as members continue to demand contract language on AI that protects their jobs and their journalism. 

Although we understand that there may be a place at The Atlantic for artificial intelligence, Atlantic staffers must have a voice in how it affects our work. AI cannot replace journalists, and no publication that aspires to the standards The Atlantic has embodied for more than a century and a half can allow that to happen,” the letter says. “Among the possible points of contention between the editorial union and management, this should not be one.”

Since The Atlantic announced on May 29 that it had entered into a deal with OpenAI, the union has demanded details about the deal and its impact on their work. Although Thompson speaks openly with reporters about the deal, he and other Atlantic executives have rebuffed the union’s calls for complete transparency and details on the deal.

“We want the company to stop prioritizing its bottom line and champion The Atlantic’s journalism by bringing a meaningful proposal on AI to the bargaining table,” the letter says.