Pitchfork To Be Folded Into GQ, Layoffs Result For 30-Year-Old, Conde Nast-Owned Media Outlet

deadline.com:

Pitchfork, one of the strongest music news and reviews publications over its 30-year-old online history, is being folded into men’s magazine GQ, owner Condé Nast said Wednesday.

Anna Wintour, the publishing house’s chief content officer and the global editorial director of Vogue, emailed a memo to staff. “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 a number of layoffs would result, including Pitchfork editor-in-chief Puja Patel.

The Pitchfork Union, part of the NewsGuild of New York, said in a statement that eight unionized staffers were laid off. “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 said.

Ryan Schreiber, who created Pitchfork as a teenager in 1996, lamented the website’s end. “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, formerly known as Twitter. “Sending love to everyone affected and hoping for the best for its future.” Condé Nast acquired Pitchfork in 2015 for an undisclosed sum.