Vanity Fair heads in new direction after low morale, more layoffs

Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 22:40 GMT by Page Six
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New VF editor Mark Guiducci sent out a sweeping staff memo announcing a major editorial pivot include nixing verticals like the Hive.

Vanity Fair Charts a New Course Amid Layoffs and Plummeting Staff Morale

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-end journalism, Vanity Fair, the iconic magazine known for its glossy exposés on Hollywood, politics, and high society, is embarking on a significant pivot. This shift comes on the heels of widespread layoffs and a period of notably low morale within its ranks, as detailed in a recent deep dive by Page Six. The publication, long revered for its in-depth features and celebrity profiles, is now steering toward a more digital-first approach, emphasizing shorter-form content, social media engagement, and multimedia storytelling to adapt to the changing media consumption habits of younger audiences. This transformation is not just a reaction to internal strife but a strategic response to broader industry pressures, including declining print revenues and the rise of online competitors.

The troubles at Vanity Fair have been brewing for some time, exacerbated by the parent company Condé Nast's aggressive cost-cutting measures. Over the past year, the media giant has implemented several rounds of layoffs, affecting dozens of employees across its portfolio, including Vanity Fair. Insiders describe a atmosphere of uncertainty and disillusionment, with many staffers feeling undervalued and overworked. One anonymous former editor told Page Six that the morale had sunk to "rock bottom," citing a toxic mix of job insecurity, increased workloads, and a perceived disconnect between management and the newsroom. "People were walking on eggshells, wondering who would be next," the source revealed. This sentiment echoes a broader wave of discontent in the publishing world, where legacy brands like Vanity Fair are grappling with the fallout from digital disruption and economic headwinds.

At the center of this narrative is Radhika Jones, Vanity Fair's editor-in-chief since 2017, who has been tasked with navigating these turbulent waters. Jones, who succeeded the legendary Graydon Carter, has been praised for injecting fresh perspectives into the magazine, such as amplifying diverse voices and tackling contemporary issues like social justice and climate change. However, critics within the organization argue that her leadership has sometimes prioritized prestige events—like the star-studded Oscars party—over the day-to-day grind of producing compelling journalism. The recent layoffs, which reportedly claimed about 10% of Vanity Fair's staff, including seasoned writers and editors, have only amplified these tensions. Sources indicate that the cuts were part of a larger restructuring effort by Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch, aimed at streamlining operations and boosting profitability in a post-pandemic economy.

In response to these challenges, Vanity Fair is now heading in what executives describe as a "bold new direction." This includes a heightened focus on digital innovation, with plans to expand its online presence through podcasts, video series, and interactive features. For instance, the magazine is investing in short-form video content tailored for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, aiming to capture the attention of Gen Z readers who may not pick up a physical copy. There's also talk of integrating more user-generated content and collaborations with influencers, a departure from Vanity Fair's traditional aura of exclusivity. One key initiative highlighted is the revamp of its website, which will feature more real-time celebrity news and behind-the-scenes access, blurring the lines between high-brow journalism and tabloid-style gossip. This move is seen as an attempt to compete with digital natives like BuzzFeed or even social media aggregators that have siphoned off younger demographics.

Beyond the digital push, the new direction involves content recalibration. Vanity Fair is reportedly scaling back on some of its long-form investigative pieces, which, while critically acclaimed, are resource-intensive and less clickable in the algorithm-driven online ecosystem. Instead, there's an emphasis on "snackable" stories—quick reads on celebrity feuds, fashion trends, and viral moments—that can drive traffic and ad revenue. This shift has sparked debate among purists who fear it dilutes the brand's intellectual heft. "Vanity Fair was always about the big swing, the definitive profile that defined a cultural moment," noted a veteran contributor. "Now, it feels like we're chasing likes instead of legacy."

The low morale stemming from layoffs has also led to a talent exodus, with several high-profile writers jumping ship to competitors or independent ventures. For example, some have moved to outlets like The Atlantic or started Substack newsletters, where they can retain more creative control and potentially higher earnings. This brain drain poses a risk to Vanity Fair's reputation as a premier destination for top-tier talent. To counteract this, management is said to be implementing morale-boosting measures, such as virtual team-building sessions and promises of greater transparency in decision-making. However, skeptics remain, pointing out that without addressing underlying issues like fair compensation and job security, these efforts may fall flat.

Looking ahead, the success of Vanity Fair's new direction will hinge on its ability to balance innovation with its storied heritage. The magazine's annual Hollywood issue and awards-season coverage continue to be tentpole events, drawing A-list celebrities and advertisers alike. Yet, in an era where media consumption is fragmented and attention spans are short, adapting is essential for survival. Industry observers note that similar pivots have worked for peers like Vogue, which has thrived under digital expansions, but failures abound—think of the struggles at other Condé Nast titles like GQ or Wired during previous restructurings.

Ultimately, this chapter in Vanity Fair's history underscores the precarious state of legacy media. As one insider poignantly put it, "We're not just telling stories anymore; we're fighting for relevance in a world that scrolls past us." Whether this new path leads to rejuvenation or further upheaval remains to be seen, but it's clear that Vanity Fair is betting big on reinvention to emerge stronger from its current malaise. With a blend of optimism and caution, the publication steps into this uncharted territory, hoping to recapture the glamour and gravitas that have defined it for decades. (Word count: 842)

Read the Full Page Six Article at:
[ https://pagesix.com/2025/08/12/celebrity-news/vanity-fair-heads-in-new-direction-after-low-morale-layoffs/ ]

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Vanity Fair heads in new direction after low morale, more layoffs

Vanity Fair Charts a New Course Amid Layoffs and Plummeting Staff Morale