WZLX Boston's Carter Alan to Retire After 47 Years

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:43am CT

Carter Alan

iHeartMedia Boston has announced that veteran radio personality Carter Alan will retire from Classic Rock WZLX-FM (100.7 WZLX) after 47 years on the Boston airwaves. His final weekday midday show is scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2026.

Alan, one of Boston's most recognizable Classic Rock personalities, has spent nearly five decades connecting listeners with rock music and its artists. He currently hosts middays from 10am-2pm on WZLX, where he has worked since 1998.

His broadcasting career began at the former WBCN-FM, where he spent 19 years as an air personality and Music Director. During his tenure, he helped launch the Rock 'n' Roll Rumble, recognized as the longest-running battle of the bands competition in the United States.

Alan is also credited with helping introduce U2 to American radio in 1980 by playing the band's "I Will Follow" on WBCN.

In 1998, Alan joined WZLX, serving as Assistant Program Director and midday host. Over the following 28 years, he interviewed numerous prominent rock artists and became a familiar voice to generations of Boston listeners.

"After 47 remarkable years in Boston radio at WZLX and WBCN, it's time for my boot heels to be wanderin'!" Alan said. "What an endless parade of friends, characters, stars and hopefuls; I've met and interviewed seemingly everyone."

He added, "Retirement means no schedule and staying up as long as I want - I'm ready for that!"

WZLX Program Director Chris Tyler, who also co-hosts "The Chuck Nowlin Morning Show," will assume the station's midday shift following Alan's retirement. "Working with Carter for the past decade has been one of the highlights of my career," Tyler said. "He's a legendary talent, and an even better human being. It's been a true honor. Rock on Carter!"

To commemorate Alan's career, WZLX will air a special retrospective featuring highlights from its audio and photo archives. Additional material celebrating his contributions to Boston radio will be available through the station's social media accounts.

Although retiring from his regular midday program, Alan is expected to make occasional on-air appearances at WZLX.