Stephen King’s legendary rock radio station, WKIT-FM, has been rescued from shutting down after being purchased by Maine entrepreneurs Greg Hawes and Jeff Solari. The new owners, under the banner of Rock Lobster Radio Group, will continue to keep the station rocking into 2025 and beyond.
A Maine Radio Legacy
WKIT-FM, once owned by King, was set to go silent after New Year’s Eve as the author decided to step away from the radio business at age 77. The station, beloved for its deep rock ‘n’ roll roots, is one of three that King and his wife Tabitha have operated for decades in Bangor, Maine.
- Stephen King’s Statement: “I’m sorry as hell to be closing down WKIT and its sister stations. I held off the suits for as long as I could.”
- Ken Wood (General Manager): “Independent, locally owned radio stations used to be the norm. We’re lucky we had these three as long as we did.”
Why WKIT-FM Matters
Hawes and Solari highlighted the cultural importance of WKIT-FM:
“WKIT is the most legendary station in the region. It has tremendous history. We couldn’t let it die.”
The station’s name and ethos are a nod to King’s iconic horror novel It and represent his love for music. King’s passion for radio extended to keeping his stations independent and local, even at a financial loss.
King’s Radio Journey
- 1983: King entered the radio business by purchasing WLBZ, later renaming it WZON, inspired by The Dead Zone.
- 1990–1993: After selling WZON, King reacquired it and added two more stations, including WKIT-FM.
- 2023: Announced plans to shut down the stations due to ongoing financial deficits.
A New Chapter for WKIT
The future looks bright for WKIT-FM under Rock Lobster Radio Group’s stewardship. Fans can rest assured that Maine’s beloved rock ‘n’ roll station will remain a staple of the airwaves, continuing its legacy of independent and community-focused broadcasting.
Source: Billboard
