On-Air Talent
The on-air personalities at 97-7 ACK-FM are the heartbeat of the station.
From lively morning shows that kick-start your day to local events, news and weather updates, 97.7 ACK-FM's on-air personalities keep Nantucket's vibrant community connected and informed.
Whether they're interviewing local artists, discussing community issues, or simply spreading positivity over the airwaves, the on-air talent at 97.7 ACK-FM play a vital role in fostering a sense of unity and connection within the island's tight-knit community.
Doug Risher
On Air 6-10am Mon-Sat
Doug Risher is a lover of all genres of music (especially ‘80s music), comedies and horror movies, video games (new and retro) and let’s not forget about the greatest TV show of all time, which of course is “Seinfeld!” He has worked in radio for over 20 years and still loves what he does to this very day! Growing up in New Hampshire has turned him into a huge Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins fan! If it involves New England … he’s all about it … except the cold … Doug doesn’t like the cold. So, if you love music and starting off your morning with a smile and the info you need to get your day going, then join Doug in the morning Monday through Saturday from 6am to 10am on 97.7 ACK-FM. Drop him an email at doug@977ackfm.com.
Karen Hill
On Air 10am-2pm Mon-Fri
Karen Liot Hill loves music, and she loves Nantucket. Having grown up in a whaling village – Sag Harbor – she felt instantly at home the first time she set foot on the island. She is a mom, a recovering restaurant owner, a musician, and a huge advocate for being involved in the community. She's also kind of a nerd about government and politics. As a piano player and singer herself, Karen particularly appreciates singer-songwriters, with Bob Dylan being a major influence. While she truly loves it all – from indie pop to classic rock, hip hop to folk to reggae, and everything else – Karen does admit to a particular fondness for the music of the '90s.
Kenny Carlson
On Air 2-6pm Mon-Fri
Kenny is a recent wash-ashore, moving to the island full time with his family of eight in 2021. Until moving to the Grey Lady, Kenny lived most of his life in warm weather with lots of sunshine, from Southern California to Florida and most recently Scottsdale, Arizona. A lifelong lover of music of all genres, his ultimate favorites range from Vampire Weekend to Sturgill Simpson and The Bad Plus. When he’s not on air you’ll find him working on his golf swing, trying to catch the next big fish, or walking his Bernedoodle, Lola.
James Everett
On Air 6-10pm Mon-Thurs & Sun 10am-2pm
By day, James Grieder is a mild-mannered reference associate at the Nantucket Atheneum, only to transform at night into his alter ego James Everett, spinning up fat stacks of hot wax at 97.7 ACK-FM, riding the airwaves out into the night.
Charley Walters
Island Blue Notes - On Air 9-11pm every Sunday
Charley Walters is the programmer and host of Island Blue Notes, which premiered in June of 2015 and features blues and jazz from the 1920s to today. In the 1970s he wrote for Rolling Stone, The Boston Phoenix, Circus, and The Inquirer and Mirror, and penned a book-length history of Fleetwood Mac. From 1982 to 2006 he owned and managed Musicall, Nantucket's only music store, and beginning in 2015 he has presented seven classes on popular music at the Nantucket Atheneum. Charley has been a year-round resident of Nantucket since 1971.