The crumbling of music media is a disaster for the music industry

“The ongoing crumbling of music media is not just sad news for music journalists, but also for the music industry as a whole. Anyone working in music should be thinking about how these developments will affect them.”

Tatiana Cirisano
music analyst and consultant

Key takeaways: The past year has been devastating for music journalism, with layoffs and shutdowns impacting outlets like Bandcamp Daily, MTV News, and NPR. Most recently, Pitchfork — a publication that has been a pillar in music curation and critical discussion — has faced significant cuts.

For decades, Pitchfork prioritized artistry over celebrity, empowering reviewers to express honest opinions and fostering niche communities. As music media dwindles, the industry risks losing more than just promotional channels; it’s losing platforms that nurture superfans and contextualize artistry. Despite niches being key to the post-superstar era, the spaces supporting them are vanishing. This decline isn’t just a blow for journalists but for the entire music ecosystem.