'Teen Vogue' absorbed by 'Vogue'; staff union slams layoffs
What's the story
Conde Nast, the global magazine publisher, has announced that Teen Vogue will be merged into Vogue's website as part of a strategy to broaden the Vogue brand. This move has resulted in layoffs for six members of the Teen Vogue team, including its politics editor. The union representing the affected employees has criticized this decision for disproportionately impacting marginalized workers and leaving Teen Vogue without any dedicated political writers or editors.
Staff impact
Layoffs disproportionately impact marginalized workers
The layoffs at Teen Vogue have affected six employees, most of whom are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) women or transgender individuals. The union representing these workers, Conde United, has expressed its discontent with the decision. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the union said, "Management plans to lay off six of our members... including Teen Vogue's Politics Editor - continuing the trend of layoffs at Conde disproportionately impacting marginalized employees."
New direction
'Teen Vogue' will continue to exist as a separate entity
Despite the layoffs, Conde Nast has assured that Teen Vogue will continue to exist as a separate editorial entity with its own identity and mission. Chloe Malle, the head of editorial content for American Vogue, will now oversee Teen Vogue. In a statement, Malle, who succeeded Anna Wintour in September, said she was committed to supporting Teen Vogue's point of view and sensibility.
Digital shift
Broader trend in the media industry
Teen Vogue had already transitioned to a digital-only format in 2017, ceasing its print edition. The recent merger with Vogue.com is part of a broader trend in the media industry where publications are consolidating their resources and moving online. This move is expected to help Teen Vogue reach a larger audience and inspire young people globally. However, the staff is not happy, and the protests continue.