NME to go free later this year

Weekly music magazine NME is to go free from September 18.

The news was confirmed today (July 6) as the iconic publication - which launched in 1952 - restructures its operation as circulation flags.

The magazine, which currently costs £2.60 and has seen its circulation drop 20% annually, expects to distribute over 300,000 copies.

It will be given out in areas such as stations and universities, whilst the NME website will also be revamped.

Editor Mike Williams said: "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."

CEO of publisher Time Inc. UK Marcus Rich said: “This famous 63 year-old brand was an early leader in digital and has been growing its global audience successfully for the best part of 20 years.

"It has been able to do so because music is such an important passion and now is the right time to invest in bringing NME to an even bigger community for our commercial partners."

Watch some of NME's YouTube content below: