Pitchfork, known for its eclectic criticism and coverage of independent artists, will now be merged under GQ in an organizational restructuring at Condé Nast that also involved the layoffs of several Pitchfork staffers.
Wintour also thanked Puja Patel for her five years as Pitchfork editor in chief. It’s unclear whether Patel, who previously led Spin magazine, was also laid off or if she will remain within the company. Patel didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hattie Lindert, an associate staff writer at Pitchfork, said the surprise layoffs that affected her and many of her colleagues were a “painful blow” and a “really heartbreaking loss for music journalism.” She said her co-workers were some of the most incredible writers and editors in journalism and what made her job so special.
“There are people, some of whom who were laid off today, whose work I’ve read for a decade,” she said. “It just was an absolute dream to me, as someone who really loved and valued great writing and was just a total music fan and was really passionate about engaging with other people, about music and building communities through music.”
Pitchfork staff members were notified about the restructuring and impending layoffs in an all-hands meeting Wednesday afternoon, Lindert said. Those who were laid off were told afterward in individual meetings with human resources.
Following the announcement, many Pitchfork reporters and editors announced their layoffs, and the publication’s alumni expressed their sadness on social media.
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Ryan Schreiber, Pitchfork’s founder who served as editor in chief from 1996 to 2019, expressed his disappointment on X, formerly Twitter.
“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,” he wrote. “Sending love to everyone affected and hoping for the best for its future.”
Some journalists decried Pitchfork’s merger with the men’s magazine, fearing that the decision would undercut the journalism the outlet is known for.
“It’s CRUCIAL that so many Pitchfork-nurtured critics are women/LGBTQIA+/BIPOC,” said Ann Powers, a music critic for NPR, on X. “No disrespect to ‘gentlemen’ but we need the diversity it gave us.”
“Massive corporate miscalculation with a fun little gendered insult for good measure… we love to see it, folks!” New York Times pop music critic Lindsay Zoladz posted.
The layoffs at Pitchfork come amid a generally tumultuous period for Condé Nast. In November, Condé Nast management announced it would lay off 5 percent of its workforce, nearly 300 people across multiple company publications, including the New Yorker. In December, the company told Pitchfork’s union that layoffs wouldn’t affect the music publication, according to a joint statement from the Pitchfork Union and NewsGuild of New York.
“We saw on Wednesday just how untrustworthy Condé Nast management is,” the statement said.
The unions added that they condemned Condé Nast’s plan for an internal reorganization and layoffs, which affect eight Guild members.
“Our members are essential to the ongoing and future success of Condé Nast. The reporters, editors, producers, researchers and all the people who make award-winning music journalism for Pitchfork, deserve better than to be treated like disposable parts,” said Susan DeCarava, president of the NewsGuild of New York in the statement. “We will continue to hold Condé Nast accountable and to fight for the recognition and compensation our members have earned, as we explore all possible options to support those affected.”
The remaining Pitchfork staff will learn more about the new reporting structure this week, Wintour’s email said, adding that “there are no additional changes at this time as we focus on our internal team structure and operations.”
Laura Wagner contributed to this report.