BANGOR, Maine — The classic rock radio station owned by horror writer Stephen King is set to continue broadcasting into the new year, despite his initial plans to cease operations.
Two local entrepreneurs, Greg Hawes and Jeff Solari, have acquired WKIT-FM alongside two additional stations, forming the Rock Lobster Radio Group to keep the music alive.

In a joint statement, the new owners expressed their commitment to preserving the station’s legacy, stating, “WKIT is the most legendary station in the region. It has tremendous history. We couldn’t let it die.”

King, who is known for his lifelong affinity for rock music, previously performed with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a charity band featuring well-known literary figures. Earlier this month, at the age of 77, King indicated he was ready to step away from the radio business.

“I’m sorry as hell to be closing down WKIT and its sister stations,” he shared on social media, expressing regret over the decision. He added, “I held off the suits for as long as I could.”

Stephen King’s entry into radio came in 1983 with his acquisition of a station that was eventually rebranded as WZON, a tribute to his novel “The Dead Zone.” However, that particular station ceased operations before King regained ownership in 1990.