British entertainment magazine NME has launched in Australia, signalling a return to print for the brand since its UK print edition ceased in 2018.
Established in 1952, the entertainment magazine has been a defining voice in music and pop culture. Launched as the New Musical Express, the brand has evolved to become world-renowned for breaking what’s new and what’s next.
In mid-2019, NME was sold by TI Media to the Singapore-based Bandlab Technologies, a collective of global music brands including magazines, websites, social music platforms, technologies and equipment manufacturers.
Bandlab said that the new Australian magazine will deliver dedicated music and culture news coverage, regular long-form features on emerging and established Australian artists, and events through 2020.
BandLab is envisioning NME Australia as the opening phase of a global rollout for the brand.
“NME has long been recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities in music and pop culture, known for our distinctive voice and point of view.
“We’re excited to be opening a new platform for Australian artists, both established and emerging, as well as a channel for brands to engage with an audience of music lovers in Australia and globally,” said BandLab CEO Meng Ru Kuok.
The brand has also launched an Australian section of its website, and will also introduce Australian awards categories to its NME Awards in February 2020.
NME’s entrance into the Australian market follows Brag Media’s announcement late last year that Rolling Stone Australia would return to publication in January 2020.
