Amol Rajan, the BBC journalist and broadcaster who became the first contestant eliminated from this year's The Celebrity Traitors, has launched a new YouTube channel and online membership platform with subscription tiers reaching £999.
Rajan, 43, was among the celebrity contestants who entered the Scottish castle for the deception-based competition. He was summoned during the night by Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama, who appeared in their signature cloaks, alongside comedian James Acaster. The duo were offered the chance to persuade the Traitors why they deserved to join their group rather than exit the competition. Rajan's pitch proved unsuccessful, while Acaster secured recruitment.
New Platform and Podcast
Following his departure from the castle, Rajan has established his own YouTube channel and online membership platform. He has started releasing a podcast, which is also accessible on alternative platforms including Spotify, according to Wales Online.
His inaugural video presents his new professional direction, though its subtitle featured in the thumbnail stated: "Why I left the BBC." In the footage, he asserts 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 content on the platform features Rajan, who continues to present BBC programme University Challenge, delivering The Alternative MacTaggart, a prestigious annual address given at the Edinburgh TV Festival. His lecture is entitled 'Why Britain needs an 'insane bias to action'.
This has subsequently been complemented by a two-hour conversation with former England manager Gareth Southgate, alongside another half-hour Q&A session with the ex-footballer. Each of these uploads contains an invitation to become part of the 'inner circle'.
Membership Tiers and Pricing
To participate, supporters must register via the website where Rajan's 'club' is characterised as a 'great digital Narnia'. He has also written an introductory message for prospective participants.
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 correspondence continues by outlining that the project centres around the YouTube channel as its primary component. It pledges to publish daily 'explainers' accompanied by a twice-weekly programme, predominantly comprising interviews with individuals described as "the most interesting, influential, smart and dynamic people on the planet."
Prospective participants are additionally informed: "Like all the best clubs, the more you give to this one, the more you'll get." Those interested in registering are presented with multiple subscription tiers spanning a broad spectrum of prices. Signing up for free is available, which provides a weekly newsletter. Paid subscriptions are offered on a monthly or annual basis at £5.99 per month or £47.88 yearly. A reduced rate of £9.99 annually is also on offer, though this is exclusively for students currently studying at a recognised school, college or university.
Premium Options and Reactions
The paid memberships feature additional perks including behind-the-scenes material, early access to certain programmes and exclusive episodes. However, those wanting the full experience can choose between two premium tiers.
An annual package priced at £299 comes with extra benefits such as a ticket to a members' event and a virtual encounter with Rajan himself. For those seeking an in-person meeting or a credit mention on Rajan's programmes, a lifetime membership costing £999 is required instead.
The pricing structure has prompted mixed reactions, with one individual posting on social media: "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." Someone else responded: "Imagine buying so much Amol Rajan merch that paying £299 a year for a 30% discount makes financial sense."
Meanwhile, one observer remarked: "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.
