Are Toucher and Wealthy on 98.5 The Sports activities Hub breaking apart?

Media

Fred Toucher just lately signed a multiyear contract extension. Longtime co-host Wealthy Shertenlieb has not.

By Chad Finn, The Boston Globe

up to date on October 25, 2023 | 6:58 PM

Toucher and Wealthy, which turned probably the most profitable Boston radio applications of any style since 98.5 The Sports activities Hubs launched in 2009, has reached a crossroads that would result in the tip of the present.

Co-host Fred Toucher just lately signed a multiyear contract extension. Longtime co-host Wealthy Shertenlieb has not. On Wednesday, Shertenlieb piqued curiosity by altering the deal with on the @ToucherandRich Twitter/X account that he has lengthy operated to his personal title, with the deal with @heyrichhey.

An announcement on Toucher’s extension and maybe the standing of the present is anticipated Wednesday night time or Thursday morning. Reached by e-mail, Toucher stated he couldn’t remark. Shertenlieb has not responded to requests for remark. It’s unsure whether or not he has pursued a contract extension.

If the hosts go their separate methods, it’s the tip of a exceptional run. Toucher and Shertenlieb, who labored collectively in Atlanta earlier than coming to Boston in 2006 at rock-radio station WBCN, turned the Sports activities Hub’s morning program upon its debut in August 2009. The Sports activities Hub instantly challenged longtime sports activities radio powerhouse WEEI, and shortly overtook its established competitors (which was nonetheless on AM on the time) within the Nielsen Audio rankings.

Toucher and Wealthy was No. 1 program in morning drive (6-10) in the course of the summer season rankings interval within the males 25-54 demographic, ending with a 15.3 share, with WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Present” second at 11.6. That’s truly nearer than any sports activities present of their time interval has been to them in years, however its nonetheless a notable lead.

Toucher and Wealthy have distinct skills — Toucher is superb at ad-libbing humor, and Shertenlieb has a present for cooking up inventive bits — however their skill to play off one another usually takes the present to a different stage, whether or not the main focus is on sports activities, popular culture, or one thing else they resolve to debate on a whim.

However over the previous 12 months, the present has been tormented by stress. Throughout a gathering with station and mother or father firm Beasley Media administration, Shertenlieb accused Toucher of making a hostile work setting.

Toucher had handled alarming voice and throat issues within the earlier months, requiring critical therapy and a depart of absence. Throughout his absence, Toucher posted on social media that Shertenlieb and others concerned with the present hadn’t checked in to see how he was doing, which he later acknowledged was unfaithful upon returning to the present. Shertenlieb was not on the present when Toucher apologized, having taken a sick day.

In latest months, this system, which additionally contains third voice Jon Wallach, has had much less noticeable stress, although the banter between the hosts might typically develop into awkward. It is probably not for much longer that they’re speaking in any respect.