Iconic music magazine NME has announced that it will be available for free from September as it seeks to halt the decline in its readership.
Described by NME as a "major brand transformation", the new business plan will see over 300,000 copies distributed for free at universities and train stations in the UK. There are no details of NME's Irish plans at present.
Currently, paid-for circulation of NME - formerly New Musical Express - is believed to be around 15,000 copies.
Editor Mike Williams said: "NME is already a major player and massive influencer in the music space, but with this transformation we'll be bigger, stronger and more influential than ever before."
He continued: "Every media brand is on a journey into a digital future. That doesn't mean leaving print behind, but it does mean that print has to change, so I'm incredibly excited by the role it will now play as part of the new NME.
"The future is an exciting place, and NME just kicked the door down."
The first free issue will be available from September 18. A new look NME.com and new digital products will also be launched.
