Condé Nast has announced that it is laying off staff at Pitchfork as the music publication is being folded into men’s magazine GQ.
Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer, announced the decision in a note to staff Wednesday, writing, “Today we are evolving our Pitchfork team structure by bringing the team into the GQ organization. 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.”
“Both Pitchfork and GQ have unique and valuable ways that they approach music journalism, and we are excited for the new possibilities together,” Wintour added. “With these organizational changes, some of our Pitchfork colleagues will be leaving the company today.” That includes the website’s editor-in-chief Puja Patel, who has been in the role since 2018.
Pitchfork was founded as an independent music blog in 1996 by Ryan Schreiber. It was acquired by Condé Nast in 2015. Last fall, Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch said the company planned to cut around 5% of its workforce.
“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 wrote on X. “Sending love to everyone affected and hoping for the best for its future.”
The Pitchfork Union, part of the NewsGuild of New York, said in a statement: “Pitchfork Union and The NewsGuild of New York categorically condemn the Condé Nast announcement Wednesday that it plans to lay off eight Guild-represented members as part of an internal corporate reorganization that will ‘fold’ Pitchfork into GQ magazine. 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.”
News: In a note to staff, Condé Nast announces that Pitchfork is being moved under GQ. pic.twitter.com/8NzvtYKFLB
— Max Tani (@maxwelltani) January 17, 2024
