I agree that Rolling Stone &c are printing some excellent reporting.
The reason, I suspect, is that they force their writers to be entertaining. Not only does this mean people read and appreciate the long-form articles (and thus build demand for more of them), but it forces the writers to properly get to grips with their subject.
A lot of self-consciously 'serious' investigative journalists put far too little emphasis on turning their research into an engaging story. I was talking to one last week, who seemed almost offended by the idea that he might use 'narrative tricks' to engage readers in his articles. He's won many awards, but little public attention -- and IMO it's precisely because he doesn't consider himself an entertainer.
The reason, I suspect, is that they force their writers to be entertaining. Not only does this mean people read and appreciate the long-form articles (and thus build demand for more of them), but it forces the writers to properly get to grips with their subject.
A lot of self-consciously 'serious' investigative journalists put far too little emphasis on turning their research into an engaging story. I was talking to one last week, who seemed almost offended by the idea that he might use 'narrative tricks' to engage readers in his articles. He's won many awards, but little public attention -- and IMO it's precisely because he doesn't consider himself an entertainer.