Pitchfork is included in GQ as Condé Nast searches for the ‘best path forward’ for music streaming

Condé Nast is combining digital music publication Pitchfork, which it acquired in 2015, with men’s magazine GQ. The move will result in layoffs at Pitchfork, including the departure of editor-in-chief Puja Patel.

Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, announced the changes in a memo to company employees on Wednesday. Pitchfork was founded in 1996 by indie music fan Ryan Schreiber.

“Today, we are expanding 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 music coverage can continue to evolve internally,” Wintour wrote in her memo.

According to Wintour, “Both Pitchfork and GQ have unique and valuable ways of approaching music journalism, and we’re excited about new possibilities together.” He added that along with the organizational changes, “some of our colleagues at Pitchfork will be leaving the company today.”

A Condé Nast representative did not have information on how many Pitchfork employees were laid off. Wintour’s note about the Pitchfork changes was first reported by Semafor’s Max Tani.

In her note, Wintour thanked Patel, Spin’s former editor-in-chief, “for her leadership of the title over the past five years.” He has been a great colleague and advocate for the brand; I am grateful to him and his team for their many contributions.”

Among the Pitchfork employees laid off was features editor Jill Mapes. sent About pink slip on x/Twitter.

The company’s changes to Pitchfork come after Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch said last November that the company planned to lay off more than 300 employees, representing 5% of its total headcount, and take other steps to cut costs.

Pitchfork staff will “learn more about reporting structures in meetings this week,” according to Wintour’s memo.