BOSTON PHOENIX NAMES ASSOCIATE EDITOR. Here's the text of a press release just released by the Phoenix:

Bill Jensen, the managing editor of the Long Island Press, is joining the Boston Phoenix as associate editor. Jensen will initially be responsible for directing news and feature coverage as well as special issues and projects. In addition, he'll serve as the editorial liaison with the paper's growing online division, thephoenix.com.

"Bill has his feet firmly planted in the moment," says Editor Peter Kadzis. "He has a strong sense of what makes news and understands how the arts and popular culture intersect - which is vital for any alternative publication."

Jensen, 32, did his undergraduate work at Boston University, where he had a double major in classics and religion. He received a Master's from Kansas State in religious studies. He began his journalism career as an assistant editor at the Long Island Voice, a since discontinued sister publication of the Village Voice.

He has also worked as a freelance writer, contributing to the New York Times and Newsday, among other publications.

In 2002 Jensen became the founding managing editor of the Long Island Press, a member of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies (AAN).

Of his new post Jensen says, "As a member of the team that started the Long Island Press three years ago, I helped build from scratch a 150,000 circulation newspaper - a newspaper that is now considered indispensable in its market. I am now bringing the same drive and creativity that guided me at a start-up to one of the most respected alternative weekly newspapers in the country. I intend to uphold the tradition of excellence the Boston Phoenix has built in its 39 years while maintaining the paper's relevance amidst the challenges every paper is facing in this new century."

Phoenix Executive Vice President Bradley M. Mindich said Jensen's hire is indicative of the paper's continued commitment to both editorial excellence and the future growth of the company.

"We are very excited to have Bill join our leadership team as associate editor. What is great about bringing Bill in now is that he, not only, brings experience, energy and ideas on how to grow and develop the Phoenix for the next 39 years, but his arrival couldn't be timed any better given star media critic Mark Jurkowitz's return and our much anticipated June 17th re-launch of the newspaper. There are amazing things happening at the Phoenix these days, and having Bill join our vibrant and highly professional editorial department is key to our continued growth and success," said Mindich.