Some sad and tragic news coming in over the wire just now. According to Boston.com, The Boston Phoenix, the long running, independent newspaper that has been running in the city for 40 years now, will cease operations effective immediately. It's sister publications which are based in Providence and Portland will remain open for the time being, but The Phoenix is officially no more.
This also means that WFNX.com, which just relaunched as an internet radio station after signing off the FM dial last summer, will also be shut down effective immediately. This is another blow to the local music scene in Boston which had been so dependent on WFNX and the Phoenix to get noticed as it was a prominent platform for local artists to be heard, and also became a springboard for local bands to move up to the next level such as The Pixies and countless others who owe a great deal of gratitude to The Phoenix and WFNX.
As a side note, I want to pay homage to Michael Marotta, one of the writers of The Phoenix who also hosted Boston Accents on WFNX. He has been a huge inspiration to me in my writing career and is largely responsible for my foray into music journalism and has helped get recognition for hundreds of Boston based acts over the radio. Truly an amazing and talented individual, and I wish him all the best moving forward. Will definitely raise a glass for him and all the talented people at The Phoenix and WFNX.com.
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