Condé Union Criticizes Teen Vogue’s Merger with Vogue’s Website
Condé Nast’s recent decision to merge Teen Vogue with Vogue.com has sparked criticism from unions and media observers. The NewsGuild of New York and Condé Union issued a statement denouncing the merger and the subsequent layoffs as an attempt to undermine Teen Vogue’s critical journalism at a pivotal time.
Details of the Merger
Condé Nast characterized this move as a part of its broader strategy to enhance the Vogue ecosystem. Chloe Malle, Vogue’s head of editorial content, will supervise Teen Vogue moving forward. This follows the consolidation of Vogue Business into Vogue.com just the week before.
Feedback from Condé Union
The Condé Union criticized the layoffs affecting six employees, many belonging to marginalized groups. They highlighted a troubling trend of reducing representation among women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals within the editorial team.
- Teen Vogue’s politics editor has left, leaving a significant reporting gap.
- Only one woman of color remains on Teen Vogue’s editorial staff.
- The union demands accountability and transparency from Condé leadership.
Teen Vogue’s Historical Context
Founded in 2003, Teen Vogue began as a sister publication to Vogue, initially focusing on celebrity culture and fashion for young women. Under former editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth, appointed in 2016, the magazine broadened its scope to include political and social justice issues.
Impact on Coverage
Teen Vogue has significantly expanded its reporting on vital topics such as climate change, voting rights, and reproductive justice. The outlet also played a crucial role in discussing political movements, including local candidates like New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani.
The merger and layoffs raise questions about the future of Teen Vogue and its commitment to provide important coverage for its audience. The union continues to advocate for the rights of its members as it navigates this transitional phase.
