Full Breakdown
Rich Shertenlieb Returns to Boston Sports Radio on WEEI
4/28/2026, 4:20:47 AM
Core Event: Launch of “Rich and Ken with Ted Johnson”
Audacy announced on April 27 2026 that veteran broadcaster Rich Shertenlieb will co-host a new weekday afternoon show on WEEI-FM/AM with former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson and longtime producer Ken Laird. The program, titled “Rich and Ken with Ted Johnson,” will air from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET, replacing the previous “WEEI Afternoons” hosted by Andy Hart and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, who were let go the week before.
Background & Context: Shertenlieb’s Boston Radio Journey
Shertenlieb arrived in Boston in 2006, first co-hosting afternoon drive on rock station WBCN. In 2009 he helped launch 98.5 The Sports Hub, where he co-hosted the morning “Toucher & Rich” show for 14 years, becoming a ratings powerhouse. He left the Sports Hub in November 2023, then hosted “The Rich Shertenlieb Show” on WZLX in 2024; the show lasted less than six months and posted “abysmal” ratings. Ted Johnson joined WEEI in 2025 after stints at WZLX, Sports Radio 610 Houston, and CBS Radio. Ken Laird began his WEEI career in 2002, later worked for ESPN Radio 1250 in Pittsburgh and TribLIVE Radio, before returning to WEEI in 2015 as a producer, rising to Operations Manager (2022) and Brand Manager (2023).
Key Figures
- Rich Shertenlieb – Boston-area broadcaster with nearly two decades across sports, rock, and talk radio.
- Ted Johnson – Retired NFL linebacker, three-time Super Bowl champion, former Patriots captain, now a contributor to NBC Sports Boston.
- Ken Laird – Operations Manager and Brand Manager at WEEI, longtime behind-the-scenes producer.
- Mike Thomas – Senior Vice President of Programming and Sports Format Vice President, Audacy.
Data & Statistics
- Nielsen Audio winter ratings: WEEI’s afternoon drive held a 2.7 share (14th place), while rival “Felger & Mazz” maintained a 15.3 share (No. 1).
- Shertenlieb’s WZLX stint was described as “abysmal” in ratings, contrasting with his 14-year tenure on the Sports Hub’s top-rated morning show.
- WEEI’s afternoon drive has struggled to gain traction over the past eight years.
Why It Matters
The new lineup is positioned to close the gap with The Sports Hub and reclaim audience share in Boston’s competitive sports-talk market. Shertenlieb highlighted the station’s partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund, organizations that helped save his wife’s life, adding a personal charitable dimension to the show’s branding.
Official Statements & Responses
Audacy’s Mike Thomas praised Shertenlieb as “one of the most dynamic and entertaining voices in Boston media,” noting that the trio’s “credibility, energy and perspective” should resonate with listeners. Shertenlieb expressed enthusiasm for reuniting with Johnson and building the show with Laird, emphasizing the personal relevance of the station’s charitable ties. Laird described the venture as “something totally new,” expecting “fun and opinions” from the partnership. The station also released its full weekday schedule, confirming the new show’s 2 p.m.–6 p.m. slot.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers point to Shertenlieb’s recent low-rated WZLX effort as a warning sign, questioning whether the new trio can lift WEEI’s 2.7 share. The afternoon drive’s historic underperformance and the dominance of “Felger & Mazz” (15.3 share) are cited as significant hurdles. Some critics label the lineup change a high-risk gamble in a market where audience loyalty is entrenched.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rich is one of the most dynamic and entertaining voices in Boston media, with a proven ability to connect with audiences across platforms,” — Mike Thomas, Senior VP, Audacy
- “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.” — Mike Thomas
- “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,” — Rich 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.” — Rich Shertenlieb
- “I’m super excited about what we are going to build together,” — Ken Laird
- “Rich and Ted bring so much personality and I know we won’t be short on fun and opinions.” — Ken Laird
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources concur on the show’s title, time slot, personnel, and quoted statements. No contradictory data or missing details were identified.
What’s Next
“Rich and Ken with Ted Johnson” premieres Monday and will be tracked in the next Nielsen ratings release. Audacy has indicated that the show’s performance will inform future programming decisions for WEEI’s afternoon drive.
