Condé Nast Merges Teen Vogue with Vogue; NewsGuild Criticizes the Move
Recent developments at Condé Nast have drawn sharp criticism from unions representing writers at Teen Vogue. The youth-oriented publication is merging with Vogue’s website, prompting concerns regarding diversity and political coverage.
Criticism of Condé Nast’s Plans
On Monday, Condé United and The NewsGuild of New York expressed strong opposition to the merger. They characterized the consolidation of Teen Vogue into the flagship Vogue website as a move likely to undermine the magazine’s award-winning journalism, especially at a time when such coverage is critically needed.
Details of the Merger
The announcement revealed that Teen Vogue, a publication established in 2003, would be integrated into Vogue.com. Its current editor-in-chief, Versha Sharma, is set to leave, with Chloe Malle, Vogue’s head of editorial content, taking over. Malle has assured the publication’s continued focus on “career development, cultural leadership, and other issues that matter most to young people.”
Impact on Staff Diversity
One of the most significant repercussions of this merger involves staffing, as management plans to lay off six employees. This layoff will predominantly affect BIPOC women and trans individuals, including Teen Vogue’s Politics Editor. The unions argue this trend disproportionately impacts marginalized employees within the organization, further eroding diversity at Teen Vogue.
- Only one woman of color remains on the editorial staff post-layoffs.
- The publication currently has no dedicated writers or editors covering political topics.
A Legacy of Influential Coverage
Teen Vogue began as a fashion-oriented magazine under former beauty director Amy Astley, gaining recognition with its first cover featuring Gwen Stefani in 2003. Over the years, it shifted focus, especially during Elaine Welteroth’s tenure as editor-in-chief, amplifying its discussions on social issues like immigration, labor, and climate change.
Despite ceasing print publication in 2017, Teen Vogue maintained a significant online presence, tackling political subjects undercutting the Trump administration and highlighting progressive candidates. The unions now emphasize the need for Condé Nast to provide clarity on the future trajectory of Teen Vogue.
Union Advocacy
Condé United and The NewsGuild have vowed to demand accountability from Condé leadership. They stress that both the workforce and Teen Vogue’s readership deserve answers and transparency regarding these operational changes.
The unions reaffirm their commitment to advocating for equitable labor practices, including collective bargaining rights, as they navigate these challenging transitions in the publication landscape.
