In a significant development for the Bangor, ME radio market, local businessmen have joined forces to create a new ownership group aimed at acquiring Rock 100.3 WKIT. This move comes as Stephen King prepares to close his three stations at the end of the month.
Jeff Solari and Greg Hawes’ Rock Lobster Radio LLC are set to acquire WKIT, with plans to operate the station under a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) beginning January 1. This arrangement will continue until final approval from the FCC is received.
The two released a joint statement saying, “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, posted to Facebook, “My childhood friends will vouch for me when I say I was about 12 years old when I started dreaming of owning a radio station. 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!”
Hawes, a local entrepreneur, added, “Cat is outta the bag. After reading all the genuine comments about the closure of WKIT, I felt a sense of commitment to try to keep it around. I do my best to cater to the community that supports all of my crazy ideas, and this is another one of those situations. It’s clear that the Bangor area was not ready to see 100.3 go away, so Jeff Solari and I are gonna make sure it’s around for years to come. Welcome to radio!”
The deal does not include WZON or WZLO, which are still expected to sign off for good at the end of the year.
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