Yup, Rich Shertenlieb Joins WEEI/Boston
• As was widely rumored, Audacy Sports-Talk WEEI/Boston makes it official and welcomes market veteran Rich Shertenlieb, who will co-host a new afternoon show alongside OM Ken Laird and former Patriots’ linebacker Ted Johnson.
“Rich is one of the most dynamic and entertaining voices in Boston media, with a proven ability to connect with audiences across platforms,” said Mike Thomas, SVP of Programming and Audacy VP of Sports. “Paired with Ted’s championship pedigree and insight, and Ken’s deep understanding of the station and its audience, this show brings together a unique combination of credibility, energy and perspective that will resonate with Boston sports fans.”
Shertenlieb has been a familiar presence on Boston Sports-Talk radio since 2006, thanks to his lengthy run as half of Toucher & Rich, first on the late WBCN, followed by a 14-year run on Beasley’s WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub) from the station’s launch in 2009 until his departure in October 2023. More recently, Shertenlieb co-hosted mornings — with Ted Johnson — on iHeartMedia Classic Rock WZLX/Boston until Nov. 2024.
Ken Laird launched his radio career at WEEI in 2002. He later returned to Pittsburgh, joining ESPN Radio 1250 as a producer before becoming the station’s Steelers beat reporter and night host through 2011. From 2011 to 2015, he hosted and reported for TribLIVE Radio, covering Pittsburgh’s major teams and Pitt athletics. Laird rejoined WEEI in 2015 as a morning show producer and weekend host, rising to Operations Manager in 2022 and Brand Manager in 2023. Laird will retain his Operations Manager role.
Johnson is a retired NFL linebacker who played ten seasons with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls. He joined WEEI in 2025 after previous stops with WZLX, 98.5 The Sports Hub, Sports Radio 610 Houston, and CBS Radio. He is currently a contributor with NBC Sports Boston.
“I’m thrilled to be at WEEI and reunite with my buddy and one of my favorite colleagues, Ted Johnson, and work with Ken to see what we can build together,” said Shertenlieb. “The station’s connection to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund makes this deeply personal, given the role those organizations have played in saving my wife’s life. I’m grateful for this next chapter and can’t wait to get started.”
Laird remarked, “I’m super excited about what we are going to build together. Rich and Ted bring so much personality, and I know we won’t be short on fun and opinions. I’ve been around WEEI for a while now, and this feels like something totally new.”
Here is the new WEEI weekday programming lineup — 6-10am: The Greg Hill Morning Show • 10am-2pm: Jones & Keefe • 2-6pm: Rich and Ken with Ted Johnson • 6-10pm: Christian Arcand
