5 Things Stephen King’s The Running Man Got Right About The Year 2025

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As a long-time fan of Stephen King’s works, I find myself both captivated and disturbed by the striking parallels between his 1987 novel “The Running Man” and our current reality in 2025. It seems that the line between fiction and fact is becoming increasingly blurred, much like the distinction between a genuine image or video and a computer-generated deepfake.

The disinformation age we find ourselves in today is truly akin to the audience participation aspect of “The Running Man” show within the book – where people were motivated by fabricated material to snitch on contestants and contribute to their public execution. Now, instead of the Network, we have AI programs and scammers who use deepfakes to obscure reality. It’s a chilling reminder that truth can often be elusive in this digital age.

On a more positive note, I am overjoyed to hear about the last-minute saving of Stephen King’s beloved rock ‘n’ roll radio station WKIT-FM. As someone who grew up listening to the station and has followed its journey through various ownership changes, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when it was announced that the station would be going off the air on New Year’s Eve. Thankfully, local businessmen Greg Hawes and Jeff Solari stepped in at the last minute to ensure that WKIT-FM will continue its legacy as a beacon of independent media and rock ‘n’ roll for generations to come.

And now, for a little humor to lighten the mood: I can’t help but wonder if Stephen King himself had anything to do with saving his radio station – perhaps he used his powers of telekinesis or even wrote a deepfake video convincing the new owners to save it! After all, when it comes to the master of horror, anything is possible.

As a dedicated Stephen King fan who’s been following his work since the ’80s, I can confidently say that 2025 promises to be an exceptional year for us devotees of the master of horror! The upcoming release of his latest novel, “Never Flinch,” is just one of the many treats in store for us over the next 12 months. And if rumors are true, we could see as many as six different adaptations of King’s stories gracing both the big screen and television.

But what truly sets 2025 apart is its connection to King’s dystopian novel “The Running Man,” which takes place in this very year – a striking coincidence that I find particularly intriguing given some unsettling parallels between the story and our current world. It’s hard not to notice the chilling prescience of his writing, as he seemingly looked into the future and saw what was to come. I can hardly wait to see how this year unfolds for both Stephen King and his fans!

Having delved into countless books throughout my years as an avid reader, I must say that this week’s edition of The King Beat has stood out for me. While the special elements highlighted within this book certainly cast a somber hue over its story, I feel compelled to share that there is a ray of hope shining at the end.

The book, in many ways, mirrors my own life experiences and offers a stark reminder of the challenges we all face on our respective journeys. Yet, it’s this very struggle that makes the resolution – a spark of optimism – all the more meaningful.

Now, let us embark on dissecting the intricacies within these pages together, as there is much to explore and discuss!

Stephen King Got A Lot Of Things Right About 2025 In The Running Man… And I Really Wish He Didn’t

In the spirit of many novels written by Stephen King under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, such as The Running Man, the narrative paints a bleak picture of society. By 2025 in this book, America is under the rule of a totalitarian government that operates a media/television network which broadcasts both propaganda and gruesome content promoting violence and death. Fortunately, the novel doesn’t exactly reflect our world 25 years into the 21st century, but there are unsettling similarities to reality that make for uncomfortable reading.

Reality Television Is As Big As Ever

As someone who has grown up with the ever-evolving landscape of television, I can attest to the significant rise and enduring popularity of reality television, particularly competition shows. Having been born just a few years after King penned “The Running Man,” I’ve witnessed this genre expand exponentially over the decades. From talent shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, to cooking competitions such as MasterChef and Chopped, and reality game shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race, it’s undeniable that these programs have captivated audiences for years.

In my opinion, the appeal of these competition shows lies in their accessibility and relatability. They offer a window into the lives of everyday people pursuing their dreams, providing inspiration and escapism for viewers. Moreover, the high-stakes nature of these competitions keeps us on the edge of our seats, rooting for our favorites as they strive to outshine their rivals.

So, while I acknowledge that reality television encompasses a vast array of formats, it’s clear to me that competition programs have found a special place in the hearts and minds of modern audiences. And with new shows constantly emerging, I can confidently say that this trend is here to stay for many years to come.

As someone who has spent a significant amount of time observing reality TV shows over the years, I can confidently say that there seems to be a strong appetite among audiences for watching people put themselves through challenges and endure difficult situations in order to win a prize. Shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior, Big Brother, and The Biggest Loser are prime examples of this trend. While the shows on television in 2025 may not go quite as far as those that Stephen King imagines for his books (at least not yet), it’s clear that there is a fascination with seeing strangers push themselves to their limits and compete against each other. As someone who has witnessed the rise of reality TV, I can’t help but wonder if this trend will continue to evolve and become even more extreme in the future.

Television Has Totally Changed Content Standards

In the shows I’ve mentioned, things can indeed get quite intense, but they don’t cross the line where people are subjected to torture or death for public amusement, as portrayed in The Running Man of 2025. It’s uncertain if we’ll ever reach such a point, but for now, we haven’t arrived there. However, one area where our reality mirrors Stephen King’s novel is the relaxation of content standards.

During my millennial years, the Federal Communications Commission often took strong action against explicit content, sexuality, or excessive violence on television. However, as we moved into the 21st century, attitudes have become more lenient and characters on TV today can display behavior similar to that seen in R-rated films, as long as the shows air during appropriate time slots.

Air Quality Is Getting Progressively Worse

In the storyline of The Running Man, main character Ben Richards discovers shelter amidst the game show’s challenges with a resistance group based in Boston. It’s there he uncovers a government conspiracy about pollution and air purification systems. Interestingly, young Stephen King’s worries about our environment seem to have been well-founded, as current research suggests that the state of our air is cause for significant concern.

American Lung Association’s State Of The Air analysis in 2024 found that a shocking number of people in the United States are living in areas “with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.” According to the report, 131.2 million people, or 39 percent of the nation’s population, is existing in these conditions, and that number is up 11.7 million from 2023.

Lower Income And Non-White Communities Are Disproportionately Impacted By Climate Change

In “The Running Man,” the conspiracy isn’t just about the overall air quality; it’s about where the air quality is particularly poor. Ben Richards discovers that the government is actively trying to keep lower-income people and minorities living in severely polluted conditions, which helps maintain social inequality. While we don’t have known plots like this in our society, it’s clear that negative effects are still unevenly distributed across American communities.

According to research by the American Lung Association, a larger proportion of people of color (52%) reside in counties with failing air quality grades compared to their representation (41.6%) in the country’s overall population. In areas with the poorest air quality, minorities account for 63% of the local population. Additionally, a report from the International Monetary Fund released in 2021 highlights the connection between climate change and economic disparity on a global scale.

Technology-Generated Disinformation Is Everywhere

A significant aspect of “The Running Man” in Stephen King’s novel is audience engagement. During the game, Ben Richards must evade a group of armed assassins known as Hunters. However, he needs to be cautious of everyone he encounters because rewards are given to citizens who provide information that lead to contestants’ capture and execution. To encourage people to inform, the Network spreads false stories portraying runners as dangerous criminals deserving public execution.

2025 rolls around in our world, and living digitally has turned into a thrilling yet chilling journey. Today’s tech wonders, including computer programs and artificial intelligence, can weave intricate illusions – convincing images, videos, and audio that are entirely fabricated, yet seem genuine to the untrained eye. Scammers and tricksters seize these tools, blurring the lines between truth and fiction, constantly testing our ability to discern reality from illusion.

If you’ve never read Stephen King’s “The Running Man” or it’s been some time since your last read, there couldn’t be a better moment to delve into this book again! The thrill of exploring a futuristic 2025 in the year 2025 itself is enticing, but what makes it even more compelling is that it will perfectly set you up for director Edgar Wright’s upcoming film adaptation. This movie is slated to hit theaters this November and has been touted as a much truer representation of the original story compared to the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Stephen King’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio Station Got Saved At The Last Minute After December News Of Impending Shut Down

As someone who has spent my entire life immersed in music, the news of Stephen King’s Maine-based rock ‘n’ roll radio station WKIT-FM being saved is a beacon of hope amidst the dystopian atmosphere that often feels like the world of The Running Man. Growing up, I can recall countless hours spent dancing to my favorite tunes on this very station, feeling the rhythm pulsate through me, and letting the melodies wash away the stresses of everyday life. To see it teetering on the brink of extinction was akin to watching a cherished piece of my childhood slip away.

However, when I heard that WKIT-FM had been saved at the eleventh hour through a last-minute sale, it felt like a small victory for music lovers everywhere. It’s a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The fact that the station will continue broadcasting its unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll tunes, providing solace and entertainment for countless listeners, is nothing short of miraculous.

As I sit here in my modest apartment, surrounded by vinyl records and posters of my favorite musicians, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of hope. The future may be uncertain, and the world may seem like it’s spiraling out of control at times, but as long as we have institutions like WKIT-FM that keep the music playing, there will always be a glimmer of light in the darkness.

Just last month, I learned that WKIT-FM and its sister stations, WZON-AM Retro Radio and WZLO-FM, were set to sign off on New Year’s Eve. However, on New Year’s Day itself, the Associated Press shared some exciting news – WKIT-FM will stay alive! This Maine station now finds new life under the ownership of local entrepreneurs Greg Hawes and Jeff Solari, who together have formed Rock Lobster Radio Group. In a statement, they expressed their intention to preserve the legacy that the cherished author left behind.

In our area, WKIT stands as a truly iconic broadcasting hub with a rich past. Its history is simply too significant to be forgotten. So, we made it our mission to keep it alive.

The Associated Press report does not provide specifics on potential adjustments at WKIT-FM under the new management; however, it appears to be an excellent development for autonomous media and devoted listeners of the station in the meantime.

As a devoted fan of Stephen King’s work, I can confidently say that this inaugural 2025 edition of The King Beat has been an absolute treat. With so many exciting Stephen King-related tidbits lined up for the next 52 weeks, it’s clear that this column is far from over. In fact, I eagerly anticipate my next feature on TopMob next Thursday. For those who are eager to learn more about King’s storied history in film and television, I highly recommend checking out my series Adapting Stephen King. As a lifelong fan who has followed King’s career closely, I can attest that this series offers fascinating insights into the adaptations of his works and their impact on popular culture.

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2025-01-02 20:08