NME and its publisher Time Inc have announced a big change, revealing that the magazine will become free in September 2015.
The news was announced on the mag’s website, in a blog post from editor Mike Williams.
The current issue of NME celebrates all things Glastonbury Festival
Mike explained that the decision has been a long time coming, writing that the new plan is to deliver “a brilliant new free weekly magazine that will reach more than 300,000 people each week”.
Copies will be distributed at train stations, universities and in partner retailers.
NME.com will also be receiving a huge makeover, and Mike promised there would also be “some shiny new digital products which I’ll be able to tell you more about very soon, plus more live events, new video series and more interaction with you guys on new social platforms”.
He said: “The new free magazine launches on September 18 in the UK. As I type this, some of the NME team are locked away in a dark basement in NME Towers working on even more ideas to make sure it’s not only a brilliant magazine, but that it gives you everything you asked us for. I’m confident that it will.
“In the 63 years since we have evolved and transformed plenty of times, ensuring that we keep on growing and that we keep setting the agenda. The evolution of 2015 is our boldest ever move, and I’m delighted to be able to share the news with you at last,” he added.
The move has been generally well-received by music fans on Twitter, and a number of musicians who have featured on the mag’s pages have also shared their thoughts.
Since its launch in 1952, the mag has continued to hold its place as a key brand within the music industry. However circulation dropped to an all-time low of just over 15,000 earlier this year.
The first free issue of NME will be published on 18 September 2015.