Radio

FNX network extends its reach

Stephen Mindich, chairman of the Phoenix Media/Communications Group and owner of the WFNX radio station, announced this week that the company has purchased WWRX (103.7 FM) in Providence, Rhode Island. "It is thrilling to be entering the Southern New England radio market," Mindich said. "For the past 12 years we've been proud to publish the Providence Phoenix, and the acquisition of a major broadcast outlet in Rhode Island completes a long-held vision."

The classic-rock WWRX will change its format to alternative and become part of the FNX Radio Network, a consortium of five radio stations owned by the privately held PMCG. The FNX Radio Network combines state-of-the-art technology with live DJs to broadcast both regional and local programming.

"What's special is that the flexibility of the FNX Radio Network allows each of our Phoenix newspapers in our differing markets to work hand in glove with the radio division," Mindich said. "It's an exciting synergy of print and broadcast, which will be further energized as we expand our online operations."

The PMCG publishes four newspapers -- the Boston Phoenix, the Portland Phoenix, the Worcester Phoenix, and the Providence Phoenix. The FNX Radio Network can be heard in Greater Boston on WFNX (101.7 FM), as well as on 101.3 FM in the Back Bay and South End (an extra transmitter is used to enhance the signal, which is sometimes blocked by tall buildings -- a problem other stations have as well). It can also be heard on WPHX (92.1 FM) along the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine coasts from Newburyport to Portland, and worldwide at www.wfnx.net.