And reading TNR requires little sifting. For example, its regular column "Hard Questions" addresses the more abstract facets of contemporary issues, something rarely found in mainstream opinion journalism.

"One thing that has remained constant about TNR is the idea of looking at serious, important issues for their own sake," Cohn says.

However, while TNR keeps its readers happy with concentrated thought, the growing market for opinion journalism also puts more pressure the magazine to compete.

"The trick of running the New Republic," Lane says, "is keeping it consistent with what went before while constantly updating and refreshing it."

Sometimes, however, this pressure to remain fresh can lead to undesired consequences. In a widely publicized incident last month, the magazine fired one of its freelance writers, Stephen Glass, after it was found that some of his stories continued facts that were completely fabricated.

Glass, 25, had written a story on software companies that hired teenage hackers, offering them lucrative amounts of money. The story turned out to be completely fictional.

Many media critics point out that the Glass incident was more a result of one writer's over-ambition rather that faulty fact-checking. But it is indicative of the appeal of young, witty writers who can deliver stories with flair.

According to Cohn, while TNR continues to devote itself to serious issues, the magazine tries to present them in an engaging and entertaining way.

"We recognize that just because issues are serious and important doesn't mean they have to be dull," he says.

Age has also helped TNR distinguish itself from fledgling journals.

"Before I came here I worked for a magazine that was five years old," Cohn says. "It's a difference of making people pay attention to you and having people's attentions already. Younger magazines sometimes feel pressured to be splashy."

Ideas, Not Ideology

When Peretz bought the magazine in 1974, he had the goal of "refocussing" American liberalism.

"At the time, it had a high-minded predictability. No one was being tested in their views," he says. "I felt that a lot of political and social propositions had to be reexamined."

According to Lane, the role of The New Republic has changed somewhat.