PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Providence Phoenix, a 36-year-old alternative news and entertainment weekly newspaper that had continued operating more than a year after its corporate parent Boston Phoenix shut down, is ceasing publication.

Stephen Mindich, owner and publisher of the Phoenix Media/Communications Group, said Thursday that the last issue, dated Oct. 17, would be distributed Oct. 16.

Chief Operating Officer Everett Finkelstein said shrinking print advertising revenue and increasing production costs led to the decision.

“It is unquestionably sad to see the Providence Phoenix cease publishing and realizing the void it will leave,” Finkelstein said. “I’m, however, somewhat gratified, knowing we’ve left an indelible mark on our loyal readers who for 36 years have turned to us for our unique coverage of the rich culture, politics, and lifestyles of our community.”

“We are looking forward to our last issue,” Finkelstein said. “It will go out in Phoenix style.” He said the issue would look back at the paper’s history, with commentary from past writers, editors and luminaries.

Mindich thanked his staff in a statement that was publicly released.

“When the final issue is put to bed, printed and distributed and we thank our many readers and advertisers, the City of Providence, and the State of Rhode Island ”“ we do so with great pride in knowing that during the decades we have been here we made a difference, and for that we should all be truly proud,” he said.

The Boston Phoenix ceased publication in March 2013 after 47 years. It had bought the Providence weekly, founded in 1976 as NewPaper, in 1988. The group began publishing the Portland Phoenix in Maine in 1999. That weekly is in the process of being sold to an employee group and will continue operating, Finkelstein said.