The Phoenix Media/Communications Group, a Boston-based independently owned news company, said it will replace its STUFF magazine and its Boston Phoenix alternative weekly with “The Phoenix,’’ a glossy weekly magazine that plans to combine the content of both its predecessors.

With free distribution throughout Greater Boston, the new magazine aims to provide readers with “a richer experience,’’ and it is set to reach the market in the early fall, the company said.

The content will combine the lifestyle appeal of STUFF with the journalistic approach of The Boston Phoenix, the company said.

Carly Carioli, editor-in-chief at The Boston Phoenix, will lead the editorial team at The Phoenix, the company said.


Plans call for The Phoenix to have an online presence that will complement that of WFNX.com, a website streaming alternative music.

The Phoenix Media/Communications Group recently sold WFNX-FM, a longtime alternative music station, to Clear Channel Communications Inc. In June, Boston.com announced a plan to launch a live streaming radio station featuring alternative music and well-known personalities from WFNX-FM. The station will be known as Radio BDC.

Phoenix Media/Communications Group also publishes The Providence Phoenix and The Portland Phoenix, and they will remain in publication as alternative weekly newspapers, the company said.

The company confirmed that it laid off five employees last week. After the lay-off, the company headcount is 130, a spokesman said.