FHM ceases publication, hints the end of '100 Sexiest Women in the World' competition

FHM will be suspending its publication after 30 years of being one of the most popular so-called lads’ mags in the US. Bauer Media, the publication company that holds the FHM title, has announced its decision to stop the magazine’s release on Tuesday.

The FHM team took to its website to confirm Bauer Media’s decision to suspend the publication of the men’s magazine. In a brief statement, the team wrote,” Unfortunately it’s true and it has been announced today the intention to suspend publication of FHM.”

They added that “it’s been an absolute joy producing the magazine over the years. Thank you for all your support, we will keep you updated with developments over the coming weeks.”

According to The Sun, FHM is not only known for its titillating pages but also for its “100 Sexiest Women in the World” competition. Suspending the publication could reportedly evidently also mean the end of the annual competition, which was won this year by British TV celebrity Michelle Keegan.

FHM is not the only lads’ mag that Bauer Media has decided to suspend publication. Zoo has also been axed following more than a decade of service. The first issue of the weekly magazine was reportedly released in 2004.

Bauer Media publisher Gareth Cherriman has expressed his gratitude to both Zoo and FHM magazine in a statement posted to the company’s official website.

“I greatly appreciate Damien McSorley’s leadership and the dedication and effort from both teams. I would like to thank our advertisers and retailers who have supported the brands and I’m sure that everyone who has worked on FHM and ZOO over the years will be sorry to hear this news,” he said.

While the publishing company didn’t explain its decision to cease publication of both men’s magazine, the Inquirer.net claimed the decline in sales is the most likely reason. Likewise, the modern-age of technology has also played a role. Browsing through a vast collection of titillating materials has become readily available online.

Bauer Media’s decision to suspend publication on FHM and Zoo came in the heels of Playboy announcing its decision to stop printing naked pictures of women on its pages.