Boston Phoenix closing after decline in ad revenue

BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Phoenix, one of the New England's oldest alternative news and arts weekly newspaper, has ceased print publication after 47 years and is cutting 40 jobs immediately because of long-term decline in advertising revenues.

Publisher Stephen Mindich said Thursday that the Providence Phoenix in Rhode Island and Portland Phoenix in Maine will remain in business because their local advertising markets sustain them.

Executive Editor Peter Kadzis said the Boston Phoenix will publish its last online issue next week, and will eventually shed 10 more jobs.

Mindich, who owns the Phoenix Media/Communications Group that also runs the online radio station wfnx.com, said the alternative rock station "will not continue as it is."

Kadzis says officials have yet to determine the station's future because most of the people involved are at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.