COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Playboy models have never been known for what they wear, but that is all changing.
The latest issue of the men’s magazine is now hitting newsstands, and it is the first ever to feature models that leave something to the imagination.
The move to non-nude models was prompted by a drop in circulation that publishers blame on the rise of Internet porn. The lack of nudity opens the door to advertisers that are leery of the racy pictures.
Also gone is the tag line ‘entertainment for men,’ along with the jokes page. The new magazine is printed on thicker paper as well.
Some critics call the move a mistake.
“I know Hefner’s getting old, because he’s 90 years old, but i didn’t know he lost his mind. Think playboy felt they had to go in a different direction. The problem is, there’s not another direction,” said Hustler founder Larry Flynt.
Playboy Enterprises CEO Scott Flanders retorted, “Hef has not lost his mind. He is leading the creative re-positioning of playboy to make it as relevant today for millennial males as when he launched playboy magazine in the 50s. We just think we’ve transcended beyond the need for nudity.”