Bauer Media has today announced its intention to suspend publication of FHM and ZOO magazines.

First published in 1985 as ‘For Him Magazine’, the title changed its name to FHM and went from a quarterly to a monthly publication in 1994. During the 1990s the well-loved brand dominated the men’s market and went on to launch a series of international editions. More recently FHM has evolved to become a mainstream men’s lifestyle magazine delivering innovative content to an audience of modern twentysomething men.

FHM is perhaps best known for its world famous ‘100 Sexiest Women in the World’ poll which celebrated 21 years in May. The annual poll has helped propel the careers of many well-known actresses, musicians and models. The first ever winner in 1999 was Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar and this year British actress Michelle Keegan took the top honours.

Launched in 2004, ZOO joined Nuts (closed, April 2014) in the newly-created weekly men’s magazine market. Characterised by its cheeky tone covering girls, sport, music, film and technology, the title was aimed at men between 18-35 defined by their attitude rather than age.

Over time young men’s media habits have continually moved towards mobile and social and today FHM and ZOO have a combined digital audience of over 5 million.

Publisher Gareth Cherriman commented: “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.”

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