Carter Alan will retire from 100.7 WZLX later this year after 47 years in Boston radio. The longtime midday host will air his final show on Friday, December 18th.
What We Know: Alan began his career at WBCN, where he spent 19 years as a DJ and music director. During that time, he helped launch the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble, one of the country’s longest-running battle of the bands competitions. He also helped introduce U2 to American radio in 1980 by playing “I Will Follow.” In 1998, Alan joined 100.7 WZLX as assistant program director and midday host. Over the past 28 years, he’s interviewed some of rock music’s biggest artists while becoming a familiar voice for Boston listeners. Following his retirement, Alan will make occasional on-air appearances.
Meanwhile, WZLX will celebrate his career with a special retrospective featuring audio and photographs from its archives. Chris Tyler, the station’s program director and co-host of The Chuck Nowlin Morning Show, will take over the midday shift.
What They Said: “After 47 remarkable years in Boston radio at WZLX and WBCN, it’s time for my boot heels to be wanderin’! What an endless parade of friends, characters, stars and hopefuls; I’ve met and interviewed seemingly everyone. Time to move over, rover! Retirement means no schedule and staying up as long as I want – I’m ready for that!” -Carter Alan
“Working with Carter for the past decade has been one of the highlights of my career. He’s a legendary talent, and an even better human being. It’s been a true honor. Rock on Carter!” -Chris Tyler
What Remains Unclear: Alan hasn’t announced whether he plans to pursue additional projects beyond his occasional on-air appearances. WZLX also hasn’t detailed when it will air the retrospective celebrating his career.
What It Means: Alan’s departure marks the end of a 47-year run in Boston radio, spanning two influential rock stations. His work at WBCN and WZLX helped connect generations of listeners with rock music and its biggest artists. Tyler’s move into middays will bring a familiar station voice to the time slot as WZLX prepares for a new chapter.
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