The British music magazine will now be distributed for free.
The NME, one of the UK’s longest running music newspapers, has announced that it will undergo a major brand transformation. The rebrand will include a website overhaul, new digital products and, from September, the magazine will be distributed weekly for free. 300,000 issues of the magazine will be available from “stations, universities and retail partners.”
In a statement to the media the magazine’s publisher confirmed that music will remain “firmly at the heart of the brand” but that they will also offer an increased focus on “film, fashion, television, politics, gaming and technology”.
They have also said “”NME will dramatically increase its content output and range, with new original as well as curated content appearing across all platforms, including print. Other highlights will include an expansion in live events, more video franchises and greater engagement with users on new social platforms”.
Editor Mike Williams added that “The cat is out of the bag, and I couldn’t be more excited. For the past few months we’ve been working in secret here at NME on the next phase of our evolution. The goal, throughout all of our research and development, has been to find new and inventive ways to connect with you, our audience, better than ever. In the 63 years since NME launched we have evolved and transformed plenty of times. The evolution of 2015 is our boldest ever move, and I’m delighted to be able to share the news with you at last.”
[Via: NME]
