Madeleine Carlisle moves from broadcast journalism to magazine writing after departing "60 Minutes." The former associate producer joins The Atlantic as a staff writer, the publication announced, bringing experience from CBS's flagship news program to the digital-first outlet.
Carlisle joins Danyel Smith, a three-year contributing writer for The New York Times, as The Atlantic's newest staff writing hires. The magazine continues building its editorial roster during a period of flux across legacy media outlets and streaming platforms seeking quality long-form content.
Her departure from "60 Minutes" arrives as the venerable newsmagazine navigates shifting audience habits and competition from streaming services. Carlisle's move to The Atlantic reflects broader industry trends. Legacy print publications increasingly compete for journalism talent by offering digital platforms and deeper audience engagement, while broadcast networks struggle to retain younger producers drawn to written storytelling.
The Atlantic, owned by Laurene Powell Jobs' Emerson Collective since 2017, has invested heavily in editorial talent and digital infrastructure. The magazine positions itself as a destination for ambitious narrative nonfiction and cultural analysis, competing against outlets like ProPublica, The New Yorker, and Wired for elite journalism talent.
Carlisle's connection to Stephen Colbert, the "Late Show" host, adds a cultural dimension to the hire, though her journalism credentials stand independently. Her work at "60 Minutes" placed her in one of television's most prestigious newsrooms, working on investigative packages and feature stories that reach millions weekly.
The Atlantic's dual hiring signals confidence in staff writing's commercial viability. While digital outlets once relied heavily on freelancers, The Atlantic and competitors increasingly offer staff positions to lock in talent and ensure editorial continuity. Both Carlisle and Smith bring multi-platform experience, a valuable skill set for publications balancing web traffic, podcasts, newsletters, and potentially video