Introduction to Eater Layoffs
The digital food publication Eater has laid off 15 people, including Ashok Selvam, the sole full-time employee based in Chicago, WBEZ has confirmed.
Background on Ashok Selvam
Selvam, the publication’s Midwest editor who joined Eater in 2014, won a James Beard journalism award in June. The “local voice” honor recognized Selvam’s reporting on Etta Collective’s bankruptcies, Indian American chefs and the $15 milkshakes that proved popular at White Sox games during a historically bad season for the team.
Reason for Layoffs
Eater is part of Vox Media, which also owns publications like New York Magazine, SB Nation and Punch. In an emailed statement, the company said the layoffs were due to “the rapidly changing media landscape and shifts in audience behavior.” “While difficult, these changes are necessary to allow Eater to reallocate resources toward the areas where it has the biggest opportunity to grow and continue to serve its audience: the Eater app, social-first storytelling, tentpole brand moments, and trade coverage via its industry newsletter Pre Shift,” the statement reads.
Impact on Chicago Coverage
The company did not respond to WBEZ’s questions about whether Eater will continue to cover Chicago or if it will have staff members or contract employees based here going forward. The most recent round of layoffs, which were announced last Thursday, come months after Eater eliminated other Midwest editors in the Twin Cities and Detroit.
Reaction from Vox Media Union
In a statement, the Vox Media Union said, “this is the second major round of layoffs at Eater this year, following a round earlier this year that decimated Eater’s award-winning cities network.” “We are devastated that our colleagues have lost their jobs, and we are deeply worried about the future sustainability of Eater without them,” the union statement reads in part.
Recent Layoffs in the Industry
The cuts at Eater were announced two weeks after a round of layoffs at the Chicago Tribune, which included Ahmed Ali Akbar, the James Beard-award winning food writer hired by the paper in 2024. The Chicago Sun-Times has had a content sharing partnership with Eater for several years.
About the Author
Courtney Kueppers is an arts and culture reporter at WBEZ.
Conclusion
The layoffs at Eater, including the loss of Ashok Selvam, have raised concerns about the future of food journalism in Chicago. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Eater will adapt and continue to serve its audience.
FAQs
Q: How many people were laid off from Eater?
A: 15 people were laid off from Eater, including Ashok Selvam, the sole full-time employee based in Chicago.
Q: Why were the layoffs made?
A: The layoffs were due to the rapidly changing media landscape and shifts in audience behavior.
Q: Will Eater continue to cover Chicago?
A: The company did not respond to questions about whether Eater will continue to cover Chicago or if it will have staff members or contract employees based there going forward.
Q: What is the impact of the layoffs on the Vox Media Union?
A: The Vox Media Union is devastated by the loss of colleagues and is deeply worried about the future sustainability of Eater without them.
