BOSTON (CBS) – The Boston Phoenix will morph into a glossy magazine this fall, while folding Stuff magazine into its pages.

Publisher Stephen Mindich says this is a vision for the future. He says the Phoenix needed to make a statement. Mindich disputes the idea that print is dead. He says more magazines have been started in 2011 and 2012 than in the last four years combined.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Anthony Silva reports

Mindich says the Phoenix has been a gritty, alternative tab publication for more than 40 years. He says after looking at the market and how the Phoenix fits in it, going the route of a magazine is the best option.

Five Phoenix staffers have been laid off because of the consolidation. But Mindich says the vast majority of his employees who have seen the new magazine are very excited about it.

Mindich says the magazine format will feature better photography and graphics, and a better venue for advertisers. The Phoenix will remain a free weekly publication, available at street boxes all over the city.

Just last May, Phoenix Media Group sold alternative rock station WFNX to Clear Channel, for more than $14 million.