Eat The Press

Confirmed: Axe Swings At The Village Voice

Posted Thursday August 31, 2006 at 03:07 PM

Gawker reported the rumor yesterday and confirmed it today: The Village Voice has laid off 8 staffers, including numerous arts editors and longtime music critic, the self-appointed "Dean of American Rock Critics" and Senior Editor Robert Christgau. Other staffers lost in this masthead slice-up are Letters editor Darren Reidy, Books editor Ed Park, Theater editor (and also Obies Chairman) Jorge Morales, Dance editor Elizabeth Zimmer, Art Director Minh Uong Associate Art Director LD Beghtol and photo researcherTina Zimmer.

Always vocal about goings-on at the paper, Christgau has the last word today at Gawker, leaving bitterness out of it but simply saying "My approach to music coverage has never been much like that of the New Times papers," and declaring his availability to keep on writing his long-nurtured brand of rock criticism. These lay-offs occur two weeks before new editor David Blum takes over as editor-in-chief. Blum, who is currently on vacation, was not available for comment, and calls and an email to interim editor Ward Harkavy were unreturned.