WBZ-FM morning drivetime hosts Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb have "agreed to a multiyear contract extension" with the station, which "might have come as somewhat of a surprise to listeners," according to Chad Finn of the BOSTON GLOBE. Toucher has "occasionally offered vague suggestions in recent weeks that the show could be changing, or perhaps going elsewhere in a different format." The hosts "did do their due diligence regarding other opportunities." But Shertenlieb said that there was "really no consideration at all to leaving." Terms of the extension "were not disclosed." Shertenlieb said that Beasley Media Group "made it clear" when it took over the station in Nov. '17 that it "intended to keep its talent on the often top-rated station in the men 25-54 demographic in place." Finn notes Shertenlieb and Toucher have "been a tandem on the Boston airwaves" since '06, and "Toucher and Rich" has been WBZ's "morning show since the station launched" in '09 (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/21).
LIVING ON THE EDGE: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar cites sources as saying that KFNS-AM's Jim Hayes has been "on the verge of being ousted by station management after a recent disagreement related to his pay." Hayes is a "key member" of the station's "The Morning After" program. But sources said that he "nearly was dismissed twice in recent weeks." KFNS Owner Randy Markel "would comment only in broad terms about the current situation with Hayes -- but fell far short of giving him an endorsement" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 12/21).
