BANGOR, Maine — Fans of horror and rock ‘n’ roll can breathe a sigh of relief: Stephen King’s iconic radio station, WKIT-FM, will keep rocking well into the new year.
The best-selling author had announced plans to shut down WKIT and its sister stations after New Year’s Eve, but Maine-based businessmen Greg Hawes and Jeff Solari stepped in to save the day. The duo, who formed the Rock Lobster Radio Group to manage the station, purchased it from King, ensuring the music will keep playing.
“WKIT is the most legendary station in the region. It has tremendous history. We couldn’t let it die,” the new owners said in a statement.
Stephen King’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Legacy
Stephen King, a lifelong music enthusiast and occasional rocker himself, has been a champion of rock radio for decades. Known for performing with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a charity band of literary icons, King’s love for music is deeply rooted in his creative life.
Earlier this month, King, now 77, announced it was time to step away from radio.
“I’m sorry as hell to be closing down WKIT and its sister stations,” King shared on social media. “I held off the suits for as long as I could.”
A Radio Legacy Born from Horror
King’s journey into radio began in 1983 when he purchased a station that he rebranded as WZON, inspired by his novel The Dead Zone. While WZON had its ups and downs—closing and reopening over the years—WKIT became a staple of the Bangor airwaves, offering a steady stream of rock hits and solidifying its place as a cultural landmark in the region.
Rocking Into the Future
With Hawes and Solari at the helm, WKIT’s future looks bright. The station’s rich history and King’s undeniable influence ensure that it remains a beloved part of Maine’s cultural fabric.
For fans of Stephen King and rock music alike, this is more than just a business deal—it’s a testament to the enduring power of music and storytelling. So, turn up the volume, because WKIT isn’t going anywhere.
