FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boston, February 11, 2008 — Readership of the Boston Phoenix reached an all-time high for a third consecutive audit period, growing 9.5 percent over the past six months, according to the most recent survey by The Media Audit. The Media Audit — an independent, multimedia, qualitative audience survey widely used by the advertising and publishing industries — places Phoenix readership cume at 607,400, a growth of nearly 60,000 readers in the past six months, and a growth of 185,000 readers in the past year.
Simultaneously, Phoenix Media/Communications Group owned, WFNX-FM, had a dramatic increase in growth in major key segments according to Arbitron: The Sandbox Morning Show doubled its share of the market, growing from a 0.6 rating in the Spring of 2007 to a 1.2 in the Fall book, while 18-34 year-old listeners grew dramatically as well, increasing from a 0.8 overall to a 1.4. Most importantly, however, is the fact that FNX cracked the top 10 in every day part for 18-34 year old listeners.
“Our focus is on integrating our media every time and everywhere and using our multiple platforms to hyper-serve both our readers and our clients. We are the only converged media company in New England, and by taking this approach with our products, we have found that the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts” says Brad Mindich, Phoenix Media Communications group president. “For our audience, being able to distribute our multi-media content across these channels allows them a way to interact with The Phoenix in whichever form they prefer — print, radio, online and mobile. And for our clients, our strategic account team provides unparalleled opportunities in the New England market to impact and influence our 18-44 year old demographic.”
Lance Gould, editor of the Boston Phoenix adds: “We are particularly pleased about the growth in readership, because it shows that we are continuing to reach new audiences, all the while keeping the interest of our regular readers. With so many media options for people these days, it’s nice to see that people enjoy picking up the Phoenix.”
The Boston Phoenix, founded in 1966, is published each Thursday and distributed free in more than 1600 sidewalk and store locations. The Boston Phoenix is part of the Phoenix Media/Communications Group, which includes editions of the Phoenix in Boston, Providence (RI), and Portland (ME), as well as FNX Radio Network, Mass Web Printing, stuff@night magazine, People2People Group, g8wave mobile media, and thePhoenix.com.
Contact:
Brian Appel
The Boston Phoenix
126 Brookline Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
617-450-8765
bappel (at) phx.com
