Stephen King’s Rock Radio Station Won’t Go Silent After All

Maine radio station purchased by local business duo

Tourists pose outside Stephen King's Bangor home in 2016.
Tourists pose outside Stephen King’s Bangor home in 2016.
Jennifer Mitchell/Maine Public file
Share
Tourists pose outside Stephen King's Bangor home in 2016.
Tourists pose outside Stephen King’s Bangor home in 2016.
Jennifer Mitchell/Maine Public file
Stephen King’s Rock Radio Station Won’t Go Silent After All
Copy

Horror author Stephen King’s rock ‘n’ roll radio station is going to continue rocking around the clock and into the new year.

Two businessmen purchased WKIT-FM from the best-selling writer after he announced that the station and two others would go silent after New Year’s Eve. The buyers are the Maine-based duo Greg Hawes and Jeff Solari, who formed Rock Lobster Radio Group to run the station.

“WKIT is the most legendary station in the region. It has tremendous history. We couldn’t let it die,” they said in a statement.

King is a lifelong rocker and performed with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a band that featured literary icons performing for charity. He announced earlier this month that at age 77 he thought it was time to say goodbye to the radio stations.

“I’m sorry as hell to be closing down WKIT and its sister stations,” King posted earlier this month on social media. “I held off the suits for as long as I could.”

King’s foray into radio began in 1983 with the purchase of a radio station that was rebranded WZON in a nod to his book, “The Dead Zone.” That station closed before being acquired again by King in 1990.

This article was originally published by the Associated Press.

Tehran’s unprecedented attack on Al Udeid Air Base sparks global alarm; no U.S. casualties reported as Qatar condemns “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty
At ISCO, innovation meets tradition as locally sourced ingredients fuel small-batch, ocean-inspired vodkas and gins — including a gold medal–winning Pizza Strip Vodka
Drop in health and economic indicators drives decline in latest KIDS COUNT report, as advocates call for urgent investments in housing, jobs, and family supports
After years of advocacy, the General Assembly approved a measure to ban the sale and manufacture — but not possession — of assault-style weapons; McKee says he will sign it into law despite criticism and looming legal challenges
Despite new taxes and fees on drivers, property owners, and nicotine pouches, the fiscal 2026 budget passed with minimal opposition and includes boosts for health care and schools — but RIPTA funding still falls short