NME magazine will become a free publication from September 18.

More than 300,000 copies will be distributed nationally through stations, universities and retail partners, alongside a new rebranded nme.com. While music will remain part of the brand, the magazine will also cover film, fashion, television, politics, gaming and technology.

An expansion within live events and more video franchises is also to be expected.

In the latest ABC figures, NME saw a drop of down 23% year-on-year, from a circulation ...