Toucher And…. [New Host Here]
• UPDATED: RAMP has confirmed that Rich Shertenlieb has officially exited his longtime co-host spot on the highly rated Toucher & Rich morning show on Beasley Sports-Talk WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub)/Boston. That said, enjoy this now collectors-edition logo.
According to an account posted by Boston’s WCVB-TV, at the outset of Friday’s show, host Fred Toucher (pictured, left) announced the departure of his longtime partner, stating, “Rich is not coming back.”
That announcement was part of what was described by WCVB as “a lengthy monologue,” in which Toucher described in vague terms the problems that developed between him and Shertenlieb, stating, “Earlier this year, Rich said some stuff on and off the air about me I didn’t like. So I texted him some things that I had been holding on to from the course of our relationship that he did not like.” Toucher also said that during an illness earlier this year, he and Shertenlieb had another “problem,” which led to the duo having a “bizarre” meeting with station management. Toucher described a prolonged period of estrangement that followed.
He went on to explain that the break led to the two co-hosts deciding to negotiate their next contract separately. And on that front, last month, as we reported, Beasley announced that Toucher had signed a new multiyear contract keeping him with The Sports Hub “for years to come.” However, noticeably missing from the statement — which included comments from VP/Market Manager Mary Menna and PD Rick Radzik — was any mention of Shertenlieb’s name. It was around that same time that Shertenlieb, who had been running the show’s social media accounts, suddenly reverted to his own personal social media handle, @heyrichhey.
Toucher remarked, “My negotiation went well. I liked my negotiation. I’m happy with where I’m at.” The Sports Hub has posted audio of Toucher’s lengthy announcement.
RAMP received this statement from a Beasley spokesperson that reads, “We value Rich’s contributions to the show over the years. Beasley offered to renew his contract for multiple years on terms better than his existing contract. He never accepted. We wish him the best.”
Toucher also discussed the show’s search for a new co-host and the goal of announcing a new partner by the start of 2024. Stay tuned.
• Later Friday morning, Shertenlieb (left) posted this message to social that reads, in part, “I’ve got nothing but gratitude for the 98.5 The Sports Hub listeners that have shared their mornings with us. My thanks to the listeners, and to each member of the Toucher & Rich show and the team at the station. To the T&R team, I’ve appreciated your efforts and waking up early every day and sharing all the fun we’ve had together. You’re an incredible group of guys.”
He added, “It was not my decision to not say goodbye on the radio, nor was it my plan to leave the program and station this soon, but just know that I’ll be announcing my plans in the near future. But for today, know that I TRULY LOVE YOU ALL and appreciate you sharing your time with me and the guys, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.”
Naturally, rumors immediately began circulating that Shertenlieb would somehow end up across the street at Audacy rival WEEI, reuniting him with VP/Market Manager Mike Thomas, who was one of the executives involved in the launch of The Sports Hub in 2009. When asked by Boston.com if he would consider bringing Shertenlieb to WEEI, Thomas replied, “No comment.”
