DJ Carter Alan to Retire From Boston Radio Station
The veteran host will conclude his 47-year career at 100.7 WZLX on December 18.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Reggae
Longtime Boston radio personality Carter Alan will officially retire on December 18, ending a 47-year career in broadcasting. He plans to spend his retirement traveling after his final show.
Why it matters
His departure marks the end of an era for 100.7 WZLX listeners, where he has been a fixture since joining the station in 1998. He plans to transition into retirement to focus on personal travel.
Over his extensive career, Alan authored five books and attended more than 3,300 concerts. He has hosted his midday show at 100.7 WZLX from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. since 1998.
The players
Carter Alan
A veteran Boston radio host who authored five books and has contributed to the local music scene for nearly five decades.
Chris Tyler
The incoming host who is scheduled to take over the midday show on December 18.
100.7 WZLX
A prominent Boston radio station known for its classic rock programming.
The details
Carter Alan began his radio journey at MIT's WMBR before serving as music director at WBCN for nearly two decades. His midday show at 100.7 WZLX will feature his popular segment, Carter's Rockstar Vault, broadcast at 1 p.m. leading up to his December departure.
Timeline
Carter Alan joined 100.7 WZLX in 1998.
Alan reported attending 3,300 concerts by 2017.
The retirement announcement was made on October 19, 2026.
Carter Alan will retire on December 18, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This transition reflects the shifting landscape of heritage radio stations as they replace long-standing local voices with new talent. It follows a historical pattern in the Boston broadcast market where established hosts eventually pass the baton to successors.
Listeners can tune in to hear Carter's Rockstar Vault at 1 p.m. each day leading up to the final broadcast. Following December 18, the midday programming block will feature Chris Tyler as the new host.
The takeaway
After decades of documenting the music scene, Alan moves into retirement having cataloged thousands of live performances. Listeners can continue to follow local station updates as the midday broadcast schedule transitions to new leadership.
What happens next
Carter Alan will host his final midday show on December 18, 2026, when Chris Tyler will formally take over the time slot.
Further reading
For more on the local music scene and broadcast transitions, visit Boston Reggae.
