Citing increased competition in the men's magazine department, P.O.V. magazine says it will cease publication with its February 2000 issue. The announcement was made last week.
P.O.V., which has an audited circulation of 360,000, was founded by Publisher Drew Massey in 1995. While declining circulation was not mentioned as a reason for closure, Sam Wolgemuth, president of Freedom Communications, which purchased P.O.V. in April 1996, said, "We were the first to identify this market, but the stakes have risen considerably in the men's category."
As an independent, the publication was unable to keep up with the budgets of its competitors. Apparently, Massey has other designs up his sleeve. He has been pursuing a major online venture for young professionals, LiveLarge.com, which he expects to launch later in the year.
(Massey, 212/367-7600).