Conde Nast has made a big move to expand its reach in the vibrant digital music arena with the purchase of Pitchfork Media.
Pitchfork is a highly regarded news and reviews website that since 2013 has also published a quarterly print magazine, the Pitchfork Review.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The purchase brings Conde Nast credibility with music aficionados and gives Chicago- and Brooklyn-based Pitchfork access to the magazine group’s considerable resources. It also underscore’s Conde Nast’s focus on fostering best-of-breed digital brands with an eye on the future of publishing.
“Pitchfork is a distinguished digital property that brings a strong editorial voice, an enthusiastic and young audience, a growing video platform and a thriving events business,” said Conde Nast president and CEO Bob Sauerberg. “We look forward to bringing Pitchfork to the network of best-in-class brands of Condé Nast.”
Pitchfork founder-CEO Ryan Schreiber said the company he launched in 1996 was “honored” to join the Conde Nast fold.
“Pitchfork is incredibly fortunate to have found in Condé Nast a team of people who share our commitment to editorial excellence,” Schreiber said. “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.”
The Pitchfork operation will report to Fred Santarpia, Conde Nast’s chief digital officer who spearheaded the deal.
“Music content is one of the most prolific genres of content on the web,” said Santarpia. “The acquisition of Pitchfork reflects Condé Nast’s continued belief in the power of authentic editorial voices to engage influential audiences at scale.”
