Amol Rajan, the broadcaster and journalist who became the first contestant eliminated on this year's The Celebrity Traitors, has launched a new career venture: a YouTube channel and digital subscription service with membership tiers reaching £999 for a lifetime.
The 43-year-old entered the Scottish castle alongside more than a dozen celebrity participants. He was called in the dead of night by Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama, who were wearing their cloaks, and was accompanied by comic James Acaster. The duo were offered the chance to persuade the Traitors why they deserved to join their group rather than be forced out. Amol could not convince them, and James was selected instead.
New YouTube Platform and Podcast
Following his departure, Amol has established his own YouTube platform and digital subscription service. He has started releasing a podcast, which is also accessible on alternative platforms including Spotify.
His debut video presents his new direction, though its subtitle used in the image said: "Why I left the BBC." In that video, he suggests that "we are about to get 100 years of change in a single decade and that's scary. But maybe I can help."
His debut original upload features Amol, who still presents BBC programme University Challenge, delivering The Alternative MacTaggart, a significant yearly lecture given at the Edinburgh TV Festival. His is entitled 'Why Britain needs an 'insane bias to action'.
Membership Tiers and Pricing
This has subsequently been complemented by a two-hour conversation with former England boss Gareth Southgate, alongside another half-hour extended Q&A with the ex-footballer. Each of these uploads contains an invitation to become part of the 'inner circle'.
To participate, supporters must register via the website where Amol's 'club' is characterised as a 'great digital Narnia'. He has additionally written an introduction for potential subscribers. It stated: "Come on in, and join our club. It's lovely, warm and fun in here, I promise. This is the home of my new world and, I very much hope, a part of yours too."
The statement continues to clarify that the project showcases the YouTube channel as its central element. It pledges to publish daily 'explainers' together with a twice-weekly programme, which will predominantly consist of conversations with visitors that are "the most interesting, influential, smart and dynamic people on the planet." Prospective subscribers are additionally informed: "Like all the best clubs, the more you give to this one, the more you'll get."
Those wanting to register have several choices with a broad spectrum of charges. Signing up for free is an option, which grants access to a weekly newsletter. Paid tiers are also available on either a monthly or annual basis, priced at £5.99 per month or £47.88 for a full year. A reduced rate of £9.99 per year is likewise on offer, though this is exclusively for students currently enrolled at a recognised school, college or university.
Premium Options and Public Reaction
The paid memberships come with additional perks, including behind-the-scenes content, early access to selected shows and exclusive episodes. Those wanting to go the whole hog, however, can choose between two premium tiers. One annual membership is priced at £299 a year and bundles in added benefits such as a ticket to a members' event and a virtual meet and greet with Amol himself. Should you prefer an in-person encounter or want your name featured in the credits of Amol's programmes, you'll need to fork out £999 for a lifetime membership.
Some have taken to social media to voice their reservations about the pricing, with one posting: "That's quite an ambitious pricing strategy. For that money I'd expect him to turn up in person, bring champagne, cook a three-course dinner, and host University Challenge in my living room." Another quipped: "The first rule of Amol Rajan Club is no-one talks about paying to join Amol Rajan Club." A third chimed in: "Imagine buying so much Amol Rajan merch that paying £299 a year for a 30% discount makes financial sense." While one person pointed out: "Cristiano Ronaldo has been fined less than the cost of the middle tier subscription to Amol Rajan HQ."
The Celebrity Traitors continues Thursday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
