New ABC audited magazine circulation figures show that NME’s reach grew 0.6% in 2016, with a free distribution total of 308,938.
The Time Inc magazine’s growth was driven by its hand-to-hand distribution model, which increased 0.7% over the year to 38.8%. Reaching 40 cities beyond London and over 120 towns and cities in total, NME’s distribution footprint now comprises 733 distribution points across the country.
NME has also looked to broaden its appeal, now featuring content on film, fashion and food. This has resulted in a 10.8% lift in revenues on the previous year.
Elsewhere in the music magazine market, monthly publication Mojo reported an overall print and digital circulation of 67,518. According to Bauer, the magazine has increased its market share year-on-year, although it has yet to disclose its growth rate.
Fellow monthly magazine Q reported a print and digital circulation of 40,003. While details of its print performance year-on-year were not disclosed, Bauer did reveal that Q’s digital edition circulation was up 7.5% on 2015.
Weekly rock magazine Kerrang! posted a print and digital circulation of 18,462 and claims to have sold nearly a million copies in total during the ABC period. Again, exact figures were not revealed by the company.
Meanwhile, independently owned rock title Rock Sound sees its combined print and digital issue ABC increase to 14,057 for a fourth increase in a row. The title’s website has shown strong growth with over 7.5 million visitors in 2016, an increase of over 200% compared to four years ago.
Owner/publisher Patrick Napier said: “I’m delighted to be able to record another increase despite a tough environment thanks to some blockbuster issues and the opening up of new sales channels. We're fortunate to serve a truly passionate audience and the future is exciting as we grow our brand and develop new ways of reaching an increasingly global market."
