Hackney’s NTS Radio has revealed a new membership scheme, NTS Supporters.
The new membership program, NTS Supporters, aims to keep the station independent and open to all. From £2.99 per month, fans get access to live track lists, receive the NTS supporter newsletter and get a 20% discount for the NTS store.
NTS Radio began in 2011 in Hackney, London, and later expanded to Manchester, Los Angeles and Shanghai. It strives to broadcast unique music, “where passionate people, not algorithms” play niche and diverse sounds.
Like many other media organisations, NTS Radio has been working to create a sustainable model amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, Resident Advisor has launched a subscription service, Resident Subscriber, providing members with exclusive access, merch and gallery-quality prints. The government have since announced a £1.57 billion package to support the arts recover from the pandemic. However, industry officials fear that the rescue package isn’t enough to prevent further redundancies and closures.
The proceeds raised from NTS Supporters will contribute to the long term sustainability of the channel, helping to pay for licensing, streaming infrastructure and the production of its radio shows. 50% of all money raised will go directly to the resident hosts, to which new names have recently been announced. Yaeji, Mount Kimbie, Moor Mother, Upsammy, Erol Alkan, among others will now host regular shows on the station. NTS Radio have announced that they intend to keep the channel free for listeners and without ads.
To pledge your support visit the NTS radio supporters page.