Business news and bikinis

CNBC.com managing editor Allen Wastler wonders Monday about how much skin should be shown in a business news story about a fashion show.

Wastler writes, “We have a set of pictures of a fashion show in Miami. Lots of bikinis and swimwear. And in some of the shots, a lot of skin. We clipped a few from the presentation. I was accused by some staff members of being overly prudish.

“Maybe so. The censored shots weren’t pornographic and they weren’t anything you wouldn’t see on the beach. And, hey, what’s the whole purpose of the presentation anyway? We’re doing it in part because we know our male-skewed audience will find it … interesting. It’s the same reason Sports Illustrated prints its swimsuit issue and networks run Victoria’s Secret stories.

“Of course, it IS a legitimate fashion event and there is some serious money in the business. Nevertheless there are those who think there shouldn’t be any risque material on a business news site at all. I don’t share that opinion. Business news is vital to everyone, yet comes off as boring. A little spice here and there may get people to pay generally a little more attention.”

Read more here.