Image: PITCHFORK
Anger and sorrow at the GQ and Pitchfork merger.
Popular music website Pitchfork and men’s magazine GQ are merging, which will result in the layoff of numerous senior employees.
Chief content officer Anna Wintour sent an email to Condé Nast’s employees on Wednesday informing them of the changes and subsequent layoffs.
Many have expressed their sorrow about the merger during a period when newsroom closures are occurring all around the world.
According to two unions that represent Pitchfork employees, they “categorically condemn” the choice.
Established in 1996, Pitchfork was an independent music blog based in Minnesota, USA.
It quickly rose to prominence as one of the most reputable independent music newspapers in the world, if only because of its occasionally harsh reviews. In 2015, Condé Nast purchased it.
Condé Nast did not reply to the reporter’s request for comment; nonetheless, a widely circulated email from Ms. Wintour to staff was received.
“Today we are evolving our Pitchfork team structure by bringing the team into the GQ organisation,” the message states.
In addition, it states that “some of our Pitchfork colleagues will be leaving the company today,” though Ms. Wintour only mentions Puja Patel, the editor-in-chief, as one of the departures.
Many former Pitchfork employees have turned to X, formerly known as Twitter.
Senior staff writer Marc Hogan, who began contributing to Pitchfork in 2004, stated: “I know that covering music isn’t exactly brain surgery, but I’ve had the honour of working with incredible colleagues on a number of projects that I’m extremely pleased of.
The features editor of Pitchfork, Jill Mapes, claimed she was a victim of the “mass layoffs”.
Staff music journalist Amanda Petrusich of The New Yorker stated that she “wouldn’t have a career without Pitchfork.
Most likely wouldn’t have much knowledge of music either.” “Seems like the record review as a form is doomed.
Totally devastated for my friends and coworkers.” The NewsGuild of New York and Pitchfork Union issued a statement denouncing the merger.
Susan DeCarava, head of the NewsGuild of New York, stated, “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.”
Furthermore, people who were subjected to some of Pitchfork’s harshest criticism have come out in favour of the publication.
Famedly receiving a 0.2/10 review in 2008, producer Dan Le Sac declared: “Musicians worldwide should not support Pitchfork’s dissolution.
And I say that as the proud owner of the site’s (maybe) lowest score.
“Whether you agree with a reviewer or not, music needs more journalism, not less.” Pitchfork is the latest music journalism outlet to experience financial difficulties.