Pitchfork, the practically 30-year-old on-line music publication, is being folded into males’s journal GQ, the shops’ dad or mum firm Condé Nast mentioned Wednesday.
Anna Wintour, the publishing home’s chief content material officer and the worldwide editorial director of Vogue, introduced the transfer in a memo emailed to workers.
“This decision was made after a careful evaluation of Pitchfork’s performance and what we believe is the best path forward for the brand so that our coverage of music can continue to thrive within the company,” Wintour wrote. “Both Pitchfork and GQ have unique and valuable ways that they approach music journalism, and we are excited for the new possibilities together.”
Wintour confirmed that the merger led to some layoffs, together with that of Pitchfork editor-in-chief Puja Patel. Condé Nast didn’t instantly reply when requested the precise variety of staff who misplaced their jobs as a part of the merger.
But the Pitchfork Union, which is organized beneath the NewsGuild of New York, mentioned in a assertion that eight unionized staffers have been laid off and condemned Condé Nast’s dealing with of the scenario.
“Condé Nast provided no further information about the future of the premiere music publication, demonstrating once again a lack of regard for the workers who have contributed to the company’s success,” the union mentioned.
Ryan Schreiber, who created Pitchfork as a young person in 1996, lamented the web site’s finish.
“Extremely saddened by the news that Condé Nast has chosen to restructure Pitchfork and lay off so much of its staff, including some who’ve been integral to its operations for many years/decades,” Schreiber posted on X, previously referred to as Twitter. “Sending love to everyone affected and hoping for the best for its future.”
Pitchfork workers can count on to be taught extra concerning the new reporting construction this week, Wintour advised workers in Wednesday’s memo.
Condé Nast acquired Pitchfork, lengthy an unbiased publication with simply two homeowners, in 2015 for an undisclosed sum. Fred Santarpia, then the corporate’s chief digital officer, mentioned on the time that bringing Pitchfork into the fold delivered “a very passionate audience of millennial males into our roster.”
The writer confirmed in November that it might be shedding 5% of its workforce, or about 270 staff, as the corporate grapples with a troubled promoting market and a decline in social media visitors.
