FHM and Zoo magazines get closed down

The number of breasts visible in WH Smith is going to drastically decline as legendary “lads” mags’ FHM and Zoo suspend publication.

FHM announced the news this morning in a brief statement where it thanked its loyal readers.

“Unfortunately it’s true and it has been announced today the intention to suspend publication of FHM”, read a statement posted on the FHM website.

But the magazine’s circulation has slumped to just 67,000 copies this year.

“Thank you for all your support, we will keep you updated with developments over the coming weeks”.

Bauer Media said it was taking the decision because of the shift in habits towards online media – despite both titles having a digital audience of over five million. Separate announcements were made on the each of the magazine’s websites this morning.

There has so far been no word on whether the suspension affects the global editions of the magazines.

United Kingdom retailers also actively cover the front pages of men’s magazines and, most importantly, people are much more aware of the sexist nature of lad culture the publications feed (FHM’s raison d’être was its “100 Sexiest Women in the World” poll, which spanned 21 years).

The first victor was Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar in 1999, and ended with Michelle Keegan earlier this year.

Nuts – owned by IPC Media – was joined in combat on the shelves by Zoo in 2004.