Stephen King has written dire endings for dozens of characters. His next one, however, is rooted in a grim reality. The verbose author is closing the three Maine radio stations he co-owns with his wife Tabitha at the end of the year,

The author, who owns the small independent stations in Bangor, said that the decision was prompted by a desire to get his business affairs in order.

The three stations, headquartered in Bangor and airing classic rock and adult alternative music, are expected to cease broadcasting on Dec. 31. According to a press release by the stations' parent company,