FHM

FHM (For Him Magazine) was a prominent international men's magazine that originated in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1985, it grew from a small fashion publication into a global lifestyle magazine powerhouse, known for its mix of celebrity interviews, fashion advice, and humor. At its peak, it was one of the world's best-selling men's magazines, with numerous licensed editions published across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The magazine ceased its print editions in the 2010s, transitioning to a digital-only format before ultimately closing.

History

The magazine was founded in 1985 by Chris Astridge as a quarterly fashion publication titled *For Him*. In 1994, it was acquired by EMAP, rebranded as FHM, and transformed under editor Mike Soutar into a more mainstream lifestyle magazine. This shift, emphasizing celebrity covers and aspirational content, propelled its circulation dramatically throughout the late 1990s. The brand expanded aggressively under EMAP's stewardship, launching in key markets like Australia, the United States, and the Philippines. Following EMAP's sale of its consumer magazine division in 2008, FHM was owned by Bauer Media Group and later TI Media. Faced with declining print sales and shifting media consumption, the UK print edition was closed in 2016, with other international editions following suit or moving online.

Content and features

The magazine's core content revolved around celebrity profiles, often featuring actresses, models, and musicians in provocative photoshoots. Regular sections included fashion spreads highlighting designer labels, grooming tips, and technology reviews for gadgets like those from Apple or Samsung. A staple of its editorial mix was its irreverent humor, manifesting in features like humorous lists, satirical guides, and interviews with comedians. The publication also covered film releases, music albums, and video games, alongside advice columns and fictional stories. Its annual "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list, launched in the 1990s, became one of its most famous and widely publicized features.

International editions

At its zenith, the FHM brand was published in over 30 countries, each edition tailored to local tastes while maintaining the core format. Major editions included FHM Australia, which launched in 1998 and featured local celebrities like Kylie Minogue, and FHM United States, which debuted in 1999 and competed with titles like Maxim. The FHM Philippines edition became particularly successful, often outselling the local editions of Cosmopolitan and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Other significant licensed editions were published in South Africa, India, Turkey, and across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Thailand. These operations were typically run by local publishing partners such as Summit Media in the Philippines and Media24 in South Africa.

Impact and reception

The magazine played a significant role in defining the "lad culture" of the 1990s and early 2000s in the United Kingdom, alongside competitors like Loaded and Maxim. It achieved remarkable commercial success, with the UK edition reporting circulation peaks of over 700,000 copies monthly. Its influence extended into popular culture, with its annual awards event, the FHM Awards, attracting major stars from Hollywood and the British music industry. The brand also ventured into television with shows like *FHM TV* and licensed products, cementing its status as a major media entity. However, its formula faced increasing criticism in later years for being outdated in a more digitally-focused and socially-conscious media landscape.

Controversies

The publication frequently faced criticism for its sexualized portrayal of women, with various covers and features drawing complaints from organizations like the Press Complaints Commission in the United Kingdom. Specific editorial choices, such as a 2003 cover featuring Britney Spears that was accused of being inappropriate, sparked public debate. Several of its international editions encountered legal and cultural challenges; for instance, FHM India faced backlash for content deemed offensive to religious sentiments. The magazine's humor was also a recurring point of contention, with articles sometimes accused of sexism, racism, or poor taste, leading to apologies and withdrawn issues. These controversies contributed to the growing perception that its editorial stance was incompatible with evolving social norms, impacting its longevity.

Category:Men's magazines Category:Magazines published in the United Kingdom Category:1985 establishments in the United Kingdom