The renowned horror novelist Stephen King is set to keep the music alive on his beloved rock ‘n’ roll radio station, WKIT-FM, as it gears up to continue broadcasting into the upcoming year. This beloved station has been a staple for music lovers, and its legacy will now carry on under new ownership.

Recently, two Maine entrepreneurs, Greg Hawes and Jeff Solari, made headlines by purchasing WKIT-FM from King after he announced plans to shut down the station along with two others after New Year’s Eve. The duo has established the Rock Lobster Radio Group to take the reins of the station, ensuring that its vibrant programming continues to resonate with listeners across the region.

In a heartfelt statement, Hawes and Solari expressed their commitment to preserving WKIT’s legacy, stating, “WKIT is the most legendary station in the region. It has tremendous history. We couldn’t let it die.” Their dedication reflects a deep appreciation for the station’s role in the local music scene and community engagement.

At 77 years old, Stephen King has been an iconic figure in both literature and music, having played with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a charitable band featuring other prominent authors. Earlier this month, he shared his emotional decision to step away from the radio stations, marking the end of an era that he cherished throughout his life.

“I’m sorry as hell to be closing down WKIT and its sister stations,” King expressed on social media, reflecting on his long-standing connection to the stations. “I held off the suits for as long as I could.” His words resonate with his commitment to keeping local radio alive, despite the challenges he faced.

Ken Wood, the general manager who has dedicated a decade to these stations, acknowledged the significance of this transition while recognizing the Kings’ dedication to maintaining local broadcasting. His sentiments highlight the impact of independent stations in an ever-evolving media landscape.

“Independent, locally owned radio stations used to be the norm,” stated Wood. “There’re only a few left in Maine, and we’re lucky we had these three as long as we did.” His perspective underscores the importance of local voices in the radio industry and the need to preserve this unique form of media.

Stephen King’s journey in the radio world began when he purchased WLBZ in 1983, later renaming it WZON, a tribute to his acclaimed 1979 novel The Dead Zone. Although he sold the station in 1990, he reacquired it three years later. Despite King’s fervent passion for radio and his tireless efforts to support independent stations, financial struggles led to consistent losses, with King often covering the deficits personally.

Throughout his illustrious career in the radio business since 1983, Stephen King has penned over 50 novels, including some of his most celebrated works such as It, Misery, The Dark Tower series, Pet Sematary, Under the Dome, Skeleton Crew, The Green Mile, and 11/22/63. His contributions to literature have left an indelible mark, and now, his legacy in the radio industry continues through the new ownership of WKIT-FM.