Report: Pitchfork Acquired By Conde Nast

Pitchfork: Now Part Of Conde Nast's Portfolio

According to the N.Y. TIMES, establishment publisher CONDE NAST, home of such titles as VANITY FAIR and VOGUE, has acquired CHICAGO-based Internet rock site, quarterly magazine, video producer and event promoter PITCHFORK for an "undisclosed sum."

Founded in 1995, PITCHFORK has been a champion of independent alternative bands such as ARCADE FIRE and its 10-point in-depth reviews that can often catapult unknowns into headlining status.

CONDE NAST's chief digital officer, FRED SANTARPIA, who was reportedly behind the acquisition, claimed it gave the company a "stand-alone music publication with a strong editorial voice" which brings “a very passionate audience of millennial males into our roster."

The profitable publication also boasts a "thriving" live events business, with events in CHICAGO and PARIS, as well as a "robust" video  presence. The quarterly print magazine, THE PITCHFORK REVIEW, will continue to be published.

“PITCHFORK is incredibly fortunate to have found in CONDE NAST a team of people who share our commitment to editorial excellence,” stated Founder/Chief Executive RYAN SCHREIBER. “Their belief in what we do, combined with their additional expertise and resources, will allow us to extend our coverage of the artists and stories that shape the music landscape on every platform.”

In an e-mail to its staff, CONDE NAST Chief Executive BOB SAUERBERG said the deal “reinforces our commitment to building [our] premium digital network, focusing on distinctive editorial voices and engaging high-value millennial audiences.”

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