Audacy has turned the page on afternoons at Sports 93.7 WEEI-FM, officially launching a new weekday show, “Rich & Ken with Ted Johnson,” airing from 2–6 p.m., according to station and company materials released Monday.
The new lineup puts a familiar Boston voice back in a high-profile seat. Rich Shertenlieb returns to the sports-talk arena after a brief stop at iHeartMedia’s 100.7 WZLX in 2024. Before that, he spent more than a decade helping drive one of the market’s most successful morning shows at Beasley Media Group’s 98.5 The Sports Hub. His earlier career includes time at WBCN in Boston, Atlanta’s 99X, and national exposure as a producer on the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.
Ken Laird, a longtime WEEI presence, moves into a larger on-air role while continuing to carry operational responsibilities. His history with the station runs deep, starting as an intern and growing into producing, hosting, and management roles. Most recently, he was part of the station’s leadership structure prior to a recent company realignment that reshaped programming oversight.
Ted Johnson brings a different kind of credibility to the table. The former NFL linebacker, known for his championship run in New England, has built a steady presence in Boston sports media over the years. His background includes work with The Sports Hub, CBS Sports Radio, and television coverage tied to the region’s pro football scene.
In comments shared through company channels, station leadership pointed to the blend of experience and personality as the driving force behind the move, calling it a combination designed to connect with Boston sports fans across platforms.
Shertenlieb, speaking through station materials, said he’s looking forward to getting back to work in the market and reconnecting with Johnson, while also pointing to the station’s ties to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund as something that carries personal meaning for him.
Laird added that the show represents a fresh start for the brand, saying the mix of voices should bring both strong opinions and a sense of fun to the afternoon slot.
The change follows the recent exit of the previous afternoon hosts, closing one chapter and opening another for WEEI as it looks to reestablish momentum in one of the most competitive sports radio markets in the country. With a recognizable name, an internal voice who knows the building, and a former player who understands the audience, the station is clearly aiming to reset the tone — and quickly.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.