BOSTON — June 15, 2005 — This Thursday, June 16th, the Phoenix Media/Communications Group publishes completely re-designed and re-formatted editions of The Boston Phoenix, New England’s largest Alternative Weekly Newspaper, as well as its Providence R.I. and Portland, ME Phoenixes.

Abandoning its quarter-folded format, the Phoenix debuts a brand new flat format and graphically innovative contemporary newspaper design created under the guidance of the JardiI + Utensil design firm of Barcelona, Spain. The result is a highly energized, graphically dynamic and easier-to-read publication. In addition to design and formatting changes, the Phoenix also features new editorial content which continues the Phoenix’s nearly 40-year history of providing New England with provocative political and social reporting and arts criticism – combined with the most complete coverage of music, movies, dining and entertainment information and listings.

Over the past year The Phoenix utilized a broad range of market research methods to help access the desires and needs of not only its current readers, but those of the overall active and educated 18-34 year old population. The research results, which included focus groups, one on one interviews, and in-paper surveys, impacted both the physical attributes of the papers’ new design, as well as the new content elements.

To celebrate the moment and help get the new paper launched and into the hands of readers, many Phoenix staffers, including Publisher Stephen Mindich and Editor Peter Kadzis, will be handing out papers at North Station, South Station, Downtown Crossing, and Copley Square on Thursday, June 16th from 7am-9am.

The Boston Phoenix is nationally recognized for award-winning (including a Pulitzer Prize), incisive journalism and comprehensive arts and entertainment coverage. Together with its Providence and Portland editions, The Phoenix is one of the nation’s largest publications of its kind. All editions of the paper are part of the Phoenix Media/Communications Group.