Maine Business Owners Take Over King's WKIT in Bangor ME

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | 1:33pm CT

WKIT-FM/Bangor ME

Two local entrepreneurs, Jeff Solari and Greg Hawes, have stepped forward to take over Classic Rock WKIT-FM, formerly owned by Stephen King. The new company, Rock Lobster Radio LLC, aims to preserve the station's legacy as a pivotal voice in the community. The transfer will operate under a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) starting January 1, pending final approval by the FCC expected in 2025.

The decision comes in response to the overwhelming public reaction to news of the station's imminent closure by previous owner Zone Corp., which planned to cease broadcasting by December 31 after more than four decades. Solari and Hawes shared in a joint statement, "We couldn't let it die. Hundreds -- if not thousands -- of people posted, called, or reached out when they heard the news that 100.3 was getting the plug pulled. Longtime listeners were devastated. But now, the grief can fade. The voices you love are staying right here."

Solari, a longtime area sportscaster, expressed his personal connection and childhood dream on his Facebook, stating, "Today, the dream came true. Greg Hawes and I are thrilled to have reached a deal with Stephen King to keep WKIT rockin' Maine for years to come. It's a legendary station with a great team!" Meanwhile, Greg Hawes, known for his local entrepreneurial ventures, emphasized the community's reluctance to lose the station, adding, "It's clear that the Bangor area was not ready to see 100.3 go away, so Jeff and I are gonna make sure it's around for years to come. Welcome to radio."

While WKIT will continue operations under new ownership, the fate of King's other stations, WZLO 620 AM and WZON 103.1 FM, remains uncertain, with both expected to cease operations at the end of the year. Details about any potential broadcasting gaps for WKIT were not disclosed.