Odd Lots · Monday, August 10, 2026
Meredith Kopit Levien described the acquisition of The Athletic as a positive cultural integration, noting that initial expectations of difficulty were unfounded. She highlighted that The Athletic's newsroom, composed of experienced reporters from local newspapers, has expanded and maintained its independence as a brand under The New York Times. Levien pointed to the addition of more substantial editing as a key improvement, while respecting The Athletic's distinct rhythms and leadership.
“We expected, like this very difficult cultural thing, and I've done other I've done other very difficult cultural things at the New York Times. This was not that. This was not that at all. It is a pleasure to own them.”
“It is its own. We both as a brand. We want to build the brand the Athletic, and it's an independent newsroom. It works to its own rhythms, to its own leadership.”