FHM publisher Michael Downs in Big Brother house despite media ban
Michael Downs runs the recently relaunched FHM Australia (Network 10)
Michael Downs, the CEO of Nuclear Media and publisher of the recently relaunched FHM Australia, is a contestant on this year’s Big Brother Australia. His status as a housemate comes despite this year’s terms and conditions explicitly stating that anyone working in media could not apply.
Downs launched Nuclear Media in 2006. It publishes the likes of Women’s Fitness, It Girl, and Krash, as well as the recently relaunched FHM Australia print magazine and website.
This year’s application form for the Big Brother house from producers Endemol Shine Australia strictly stated that anyone applying to be a housemate could not be “an employee of, or in any way associated with, any television broadcaster, news or media organisation, including any web-based media or other online platform or outlet, either in Australia or elsewhere”.
In his introduction package on Sunday night, Downs told viewers he was 49 and “the CEO of my own publishing company”.
He also said: “I’ve got a very low tolerance for woke people, people who are loud and obnoxious, and cyclists on the footpath. I’m a realist and I call it how I see it – no filter.”
On what he will bring to the house, he said: “… My no-nonsense attitude and my love for a prank. I think I can win Big Brother because I sort of veil my offensiveness with a little comedic bow that’s palatable for most people.”
Enjoying Mumbrella? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
In an interview with Mumbrella in September, ahead of FHM Australia’s relaunch, Downs said the magazine would pander to nobody.
“It’ll make a strong profit, don’t get me wrong, but success will be measured, for us, solely on how the content resonates with men 18-50 – not necessarily the broader public who seem to be offended by everything these days – how many people attend our events, how our models enjoy and receive our FHM Escapes global tours, and so on,” he said.
The latest issue of FHM Australia (Nuclear Media)
“Commercial success will follow, as long as it’s not the primary focus. We’re a privately-owned company with no shareholders or JV partners to answer to, so we have that benefit over most media outlets.”
Big Brother launched on 10 on Sunday night with 1.48 million total viewers across the episode’s broadcast, and an average of 774,000. It will run six nights a week on TV and streaming, and there will be a 24/7 live stream available as well.
10 did not respond to a request for comment about Downs’ inclusion in the show.
Related Content
