December may be a time for holiday cheer, but for Stephen King, it’s more like closing chapters, spinning tales, and finding new ways to terrify and entertain us. At 77, King is wrapping up a year that’s been equal parts nostalgic, innovative, and downright eerie—exactly what you’d expect from the man who made Maine the spookiest state in America.
The Curtain Falls on Zone Radio
In a bittersweet move, King announced that his trio of Bangor-based radio stations—WZON, WKIT, and WZLO—will go silent on New Year’s Eve. King, who has kept these stations afloat for decades (at his own expense), cited his age and mounting losses as the reasons behind the decision. In a statement shared by Drew Peters of WFAA, King expressed pride in his independent radio ownership, saying he’s loved providing a voice for local advertisers and a space for Maine’s community to connect.
Former WZON host Jeff Solari fondly reminisced about his time broadcasting local sports and connecting with the Bangor community, emphasizing that the stations were a vital part of people’s daily lives. “It’s going to leave a big hole,” Solari said. (Peters, WFAA)
While the end of Zone Radio might be seen as a sign of the times—replaced by Spotify playlists and TikTok soundtracks—it’s a testament to King’s enduring commitment to the spirit of local culture. After all, it’s not every day a literary titan moonlights as a radio tycoon.
Terror, Adapted: “The Institute” Gets Darker (but Not Too Dark)
If you think King’s 2024 is all about winding down, think again. MGM+ just previewed its upcoming adaptation of The Institute, a sinister tale about telekinetic kids trapped in a brutalist nightmare facility. The series, set to air next year, will see King as an executive producer. According to director Jack Bender, the show deliberately aged up the characters from the novel to avoid a “sadistic experience.” This softer touch might make hardcore horror fans raise an eyebrow, but with actors like Mary-Louise Parker (bringing big “sinister PTA mom” energy) and King’s own stamp of approval, it’s poised to deliver chills. (Ellise Shafer, MSN)
King’s “Creepy” Streaming Picks
Even in December, King isn’t content to let us off the hook. On Threads, he recommended Apple TV+’s Before, calling it “short and scary” with a vibe reminiscent of The Exorcist. While critics haven’t been kind to the show, King’s endorsement could be the lifeline it needs to gain traction. After all, who can resist a supernatural tale endorsed by the master himself? (Tyler Doupe’, Dread Central)
Writer’s Block? King Doesn’t Know Her
While George R.R. Martin continues his Winds of Winter odyssey, King’s productivity remains legendary. In a nod to his prolific career, he recently reminded us that writing every day keeps ideas fresh: “If you take a few days off, it all starts to look kind of tacky—like an old campaign poster running in the rain.” (Ariane Cruz, FandomWire)
Stephen King’s 2024 in a Nutshell
So, what’s Stephen King doing in December 2024? He’s saying goodbye to his radio stations, greenlighting adaptations of his creepiest works, doling out viewing recommendations, and probably writing another book while the rest of us shop for socks and scented candles. King may be hinting at slowing down, but if 2024 is any indication, the man is far from done. Whether he’s haunting the airwaves or streaming platforms, King’s grip on our imaginations remains as strong as ever.
Let’s just hope 2025 doesn’t bring an apocalyptic King novel inspired by his Threads feed. Then again, we’d probably still read it.
Further Reading and References
- Drew Peters, “Stephen King-Owned Radio Stations in Maine Going Off the Air by the End of the Year,” WFAA, December 6, 2024. WFAA (Retrieved: December 6, 2024).
- Ellise Shafer, “Stephen King Series ‘The Institute’ Gets First Look From MGM+,” MSN, December 5, 2024. MSN (Retrieved: December 6, 2024).
- Tyler Doupe’, “Stephen King Recommends This ‘Creepy’ Streaming Series for Its ‘Exorcist’ Vibe,” Dread Central, December 4, 2024. Dread Central (Retrieved: December 6, 2024).
- Ariane Cruz, “Stephen King’s Strategy to Overcome Writer’s Block is What George RR Martin Needs,” FandomWire, December 6, 2024. FandomWire (Retrieved: December 6, 2024).
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