Comments on: Earnings Call: Playboy’s Hefner: The Brand Will Get Us Through; So Will Deep Cuts And Restructuring

By: Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:50:41 +0000

Despite Hefner's business acumen, he should have seen the end of the road coming and got out while he could, but he may have mistakenly thought his empire could last forever.
He became the butt of jokes on late night TV because of his oldtimer image, dressed in a robe and because he was constantly surrounded by girls young enough to be his nieces, alienating many readers.
No doubt the current economic downturn has taken its toll on PLAYBOY, but Hefner must have been aware of the dramatic effect the Internet has been having on the media but stayed on even as his rival PENTHOUSE folded a few years ago for the same reasons : declining revenue from plummeting circulation due to the proliferation of free porn on the Net.

By: Psicologa

Psicologa — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:25:41 +0000

Playboy is a solid brand,even without heffner

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:29:09 +0000

Hef also lost all his girlfriends once Playboy's stock plunged.

By: AK Works

AK Works — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:24:58 +0000

I recall 10 years ago doing a case study in college and reading about Playboy's declining relevance in adult entertainment. For a moment it appeared Playboy was resurging. I guess I was wrong and that was NOT the case. Then again, with the global economy the way it is, even adult entertainment isn't rating anymore.

By: Tameka Kee

Tameka Kee — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:37:47 +0000

What happens when Hef's no longer around though? Does that mean the brand will lose much of its equity?

By: Playboy Fan

Playboy Fan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:05:35 +0000

Hmm, if that rumor is true you'd think they'd want Hef to keep "the playground pieces." Hef's as much a part of the brand as the bunny head icon. If he's not throwing parties at the mansion that's bad for the brand IMO.

By: digital bear

digital bear — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:40:59 +0000

Rumor is that they are on the block and a few PE firms are looking at taking over the assets however Hefner won't let go of his playground pieces. A smart buyer would buy the brand, franchise non-stop and give Hef a few pieces of real estate to lease back for life.