NEW YORK — Bob Johnson has taken on the duties of managing director for adult digital newsstand SkinMagz.com.
Johnson, who has held executive positions at a number of major adult companies including Playboy Enterprises, Vivid Entertainment, Private U.S.A., High Society, Playgirl and Cheri magazines, and most recently as a freelance editor for XBIZ, is charged with bringing new titles to the publishing platform and developing SkinMagz’s global presence.
SkinMagz offers a number of leading publications including Hustler, Penthouse, Barely Legal, Old Nick, Playgirl and Colt, among others.
The publisher said Johnson’s familiarity with both print, digital and video production is key to SkinMagz’s initiative as magazines employ the latest digital flip-page technology along with video clips and interactive features.
Johnson also was a consultant to mainstream publisher Zinio’s adult arm, UnderCoverMags.com, that was ultimately divested by the company leaving a void filled by SkinMagz, now the only adult digital newsstand in operation.
First up for Johnson is the world premiere of a major adult star’s new, personal digital publication exclusively on SkinMagz set to be announced shortly.
A number of new titles also are in the wings, the veteran journalist, producer and publisher said.
SkinMagz provides print and digital publishers a new revenue stream where the company will take a print product and publish it for sale on its newsstand free of charge. The partners work with SkinMagz on a generous revshare basis.
Johnson said that although there’s been an evaporation of physical newsstands and print publishing is declining, the audience for all periodicals, including adult publications is still strong because of new delivery platforms like tablets and smartphones.
“People still like to take their reading — and viewing — matter along with them, whether it’s print or electronic,” he said. “Tactile and tangible products still appeal to the senses. Publishers today need to exploit both means. And digital publishing opens the market to new publishers without the distribution challenges of the past.”
Johnson can be reached by email at bob@skinmagz.com.
