Music magazine NME has announced plans to become a free weekly publication.

The move would mean that the magazine which has been in circulation for 63 years would be handed out at stations, universities and certain retail partners from September 2015. It would cover a wider range of material covering a broad range of the entertainment industry including film, television and fashion although music will remain at the heart of the publication.

Mike Williams, editor of NME said: "NMEis 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.

"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, andNMEjust kicked the door down."

He brings up an interesting point; that printed media is being forced to change to keep up with modern life. With social media and instant methods of communication, the printed word quickly gets left behind but this acknowledgement of need to adapt should place the magazine in good stead to successfully move forward.

Marcus Rich, CEO of Time Inc UK, added: "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."