Ferguson stepped down as host of the popular show in October, amid outcry over McGurrens allegations and claims of sexual assault and workplace harassment made by other female employees of The Mix.. I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be, and I couldn't be happier to make this new move in my career.". Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. She described him as a serial abuser of women and said management failed to respond and then forced her out when she demanded that the alleged harassment stop. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. 10 Things You Didnt Know about The Sticklers, Luann de Lesseps Accuses Russell Simmons of Groping Her, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Mariana Jasel, 10 Things You Didnt Know About Leo Sheng, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Lele Pons, Being a Movie Superhero Doesnt Always Mean Your Kids Will Like It, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Rila Fukushima, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Asya Branch, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Tricia Ana, Guy Builds Insane Star Trek Man Cave Theater, This Clever Never-Ending LEGO Climber Automaton. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. The rest of the station's lineup remains intact, with New York-based Katie Neal from noon to 3 p.m., Scotty Kay from 3 to 7 p.m. and Detroit-based Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from 7 p.m. to midnight. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Melissa McGurren, Five Songs That Lead to the Creation of a Movie or TV Show, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Brandon Flynn. While McGurrens case against Hubbard has ended, a similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo against the broadcaster continues to be litigated in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Audacy announced a new morning show for US99 (WUSN-FM) in Chicago, welcoming local media veteran Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff as morning show co-hosts. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. It sounds to us like shes your every day proud mom, but let us not forget he is so many of these things because of who she is. A hearing on Hubbards motion to dismiss was held Tuesday, Aug. 30 and the court is expected to issue an opinion on the motion soon. Melissa McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson's top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. But we also owe it to ourselves and our listeners to have a deliberate and thoughtful process about our path forward, and candidly we are not there yet.. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. A federal judge has dismissed Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit against her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, whom she alleged falsely branded her a liar while responding to her harassment claims against former co-host Eric Ferguson. May 6, 2021. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. While she does not address the actual reason for her disappearance, she does make it clear that she and her family are all healthy and shes hopeful everyone stays that way. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. "The Mix is sad to announce that after 22 years with the station, Melissa McGurren was offered a contract extension which much to our surprise she declined," the statement said. In her lawsuit against Ferguson, DeNicolo alleged that he blocked raises and promotions, then orchestrated her dismissal after she refused to resume a brief sexual relationship that occurred early in her career. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM, worked at the Hubbard Radio Chicago station that's more popularly known as The Mix for more than two decades before leaving in 2020. Right now, thats a fair assessment. In the court filings made public Tuesday, McGurren said that during her 22-year career at The Mix she rose from traffic reporter to show co-host with Ferguson and Brian "Whip" Paruch, who she. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Robservations: WGN Radio names Steve Alexander to succeed Orion Samuelson, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. Radio Ink. She is very proud of the young man her son is becoming, she loves that he is funny and helpful and that he is thoughtful. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . According to the newspaper, the suit includes a declaration as an exhibit from another former employee, Jennifer Ashrafi, who said she left as the station's afternoon co-host in January, 2020 because she was so "disgusted" by the "misogyny, gender discrimination and hostile work environment that was pervasive" at the station. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. You have permission to edit this article. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Melissa McGurren, who was a mainstay of Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM for 22 years, has been hired by Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM to lead a brand-new morning show. McGurren claimed in her filing that the station's management protected Ferguson for years by allowing him to "perpetuate his misconduct that goes far beyond the limits of decency." Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Melissa McGurren, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson's top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX 101.9-FM, Robert Feder writes. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. McGurren said she quit the station in 2020 after years of complaining about Fergusons on- and off-air behavior, claims she said were ignored by station executives who sought to protect the popular host. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. WUSN-FM (US99)/Chicago morning co-host Melissa McGurren has filed a defamation lawsuit against her former employer, crosstown Hubbard Radio, reports the Chicago Tribune. She has a son by the name of Porter, and she does share a little about him on her Instagram page from time to time. Starting Monday, she will host "Melissa and Austin" from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays with co-host Austin Huff, a radio producer and podcaster just in from St. Louis. Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren on Thursday accused her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, of defamation in a new lawsuit that includes fresh allegations that WTMX-FM management . "We're incredibly excited to be growing . By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. DeNicolo, a former WTMX assistant producer, claims Hubbard defamed her in statements it made to the Chicago Tribune after the newspaper first reported on her original suit against Ferguson. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 13 talking about this. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Melissa McGurren, who was a mainstay of Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM for 22 years, has been hired by Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM to lead a brand-new morning show. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. We were disappointed by her decision not to renew her contract, but also know that this year has led all of us to assess our lives in different ways. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. CHICAGO - A federal judge has dismissed Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit against her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, whom she alleged falsely branded her a liar. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. The list of flaws with this team are many, but the fact that this Bulls front office thought Russell Westbrook might help them out could be atop that list. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Ashrafi, who was afternoon co-host and traffic reporter at WTMX using the on-air name Jennifer Roberts, is the fourth former female staff member to back claims against the station and Ferguson. Eric in the Morning assistant producer Cynthia DeNicolowho also occasionally worked as a babysitter for Ferguson and his then-wifealso has sued the station, claiming Ferguson used his star power to coerce her into sex acts when she first began working for the station, and, for years after she began refusing his come-ons, taunted her in front of co-workers. We are heartened by the fact that now two federal courts and an arbitrator have ruled in Hubbards favor and have concluded that the claims brought by Ms. McGurren and Ms. DeNicolo against Hubbard lacked any legal merit, attorney Michael Roche, a partner at Winston & Strawn who represented Hubbard Radio Chicago in the litigation, said in an emailed statement. PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 6, 2021 - Audacy announced a new morning show for US99 (WUSN-FM) in Chicago, welcoming local media veteran Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff as morning show co-hosts. We take these allegations seriously and we are confident in the results of multiple investigations we have initiated, England said when announcing to staff that Ferguson would not be hosting mornings in October. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. Jeff England, vice president and market manager at Hubbard Radio Chicago, was quoted as saying: Our plans for the future of Eric in the Morning definitely included Melissa. oh and REINVENTION. MELISSA MCGURREN, who co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" during a 22-year stretch at the station, sued FERGUSON alleging a pattern of sexual misconduct. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Coldwell Banker Eric Ferguson, the longtime morning show host on WTMX-FM/101.9, sold his Hinsdale mansion for less than he paid for it. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Her lawsuit claims station vice president Jeff England defamed her when he sent a message to staff in 2020 stating the station had investigated her claims and did not agree with [McGurrens] characterization of events a statement that McGurren said implied she was a liar, and which she claimed impugned her integrity. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. But the remarks in Englands note, which soon after appeared in the press, did not rise to the level of defamation under Illinois state law, according to an order issued Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman dismissing the case. In a four-page ruling issued by the United District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Ronald A. Guzman granted Hubbard Radio Chicago petition to dismiss the suit brought by McGurren. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. McGurren had been with WTMX for 22 years serving as a traffic reporter until moving up to morning co-host following the departure of Kathy . Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. oh and REINVENTION. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Last week U.S. District Court. 0. DeNicolo also sued Ferguson, claiming he abused his power to coerce sexual favors from her early in her career and then prevented her from advancing after she rebuffed efforts to restart an unwanted sexual relationship.. I want to just make sure that I wished everybody a happy belated Thanksgiving and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and miss you all. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Ferguson, 55, has denied the allegations but was sidelined from his popular morning show in October 2021, weeks after the Tribune first reported that DeNicolo had sued him earlier that year. NAB Asks FCC to Complete 2018 Quadrennial Review, Laden Joins WABC/New York as News Director and Host, Audacy Launches ''Front Range Country 103.1'' in Denver, WPZS (Praise 100.9)/Charlotte Ups Melanie Pratt to APD, iHeartMedia's Podcast Platform Spreaker is Now Free, KINK-FM/Portland Adds ''The Greg Beharrell Show''. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. For the second time, a federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit related to the way Hubbard Radio Chicago handled misconduct allegations against onetime star host Eric Ferguson. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. In many ways, McGurren's departure was a replay of the drama that unfolded in 2017 when Kathy Hart severed ties with the station after 21 years as Ferguson's co-host. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Thanks, you guys. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. She is such a proud mom. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Cheryl Corley, Greg Kot win Headline Club Lifetime Achievement Awards, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. CHICAGO An Illinois District Court judge on Friday dismissed a $10 million defamation lawsuit by former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren, who had filed suit against her former employer in . She too was represented by Mandell. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, The Mix ranked third overall in mornings with a 7.3 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 390,600. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Melissa McGurren, who was a mainstay of Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM for 22 years, has been hired by Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM to lead a new morning show. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. After being missing from "Eric In The Morning" for the past several weeks, Hubbard Hot AC "101.9 The Mix" WTMX Skokie/Chicago has revealed that co-host Melissa McGurren is departing the station after declining a contract extension offered to her. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Starting. The former morning show co-host at Hubbard hot AC The Mix WTMX Chicago has withdrawn her appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed the suit. CHICAGO An Illinois District Court judge on Friday dismissed a $10 million defamation lawsuit by former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren, who had filed suit against her former employer in connection with sexual harassment allegations against her former co-host on The Mix, Eric Ferguson. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. While not claiming that Ferguson abused her specifically, Ashrafi said the disgraced morning host was rude and dismissive to women., His abusive behavior is open and known by all at The Mix, she said. McGurren had argued that when the station owner made its statement, it knew that Ferguson was a serial abuser of women and that Hubbard knowingly published false information when it said it did not agree with her characterization of events. Fans have been worried. Thank you for all those great messages. Melissa McGurren, who spent 22 years with WTMX-101.9-FM and co-hosted the "Eric in the Morning" with Ferguson, in 2020 filed suit against WTMX owner Hubbard Radio Chicago, claiming an email sent to her former coworkers implied she was lying about alleged abusive behavior by Ferguson. How would you rate this article? But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. The dismissal of Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago doesn't mean the end of legal problems for Eric Ferguson or the parent company of hot adult . 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The suit against Ferguson states that in 2004 she stopped providing oral sex in response to his demands, which he allegedly made by using the code words I need a back rub. She said Ferguson taunted her with the phrase throughout her remaining tenure at the station. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. Huff, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and self-described country music fan, is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. our stories straight," and advised her to "stay silent and to deny any allegations by other women that Ferguson had engaged in inappropriate behavior," according to the lawsuit. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. Hubbard Radio/Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff England said in a memo to employees on October 5 that the company "thoroughly investigated this matter previously. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. In the midst of her absence, some of her fans have even taken the time to post on social media that the show is no longer any good without her. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. Mom 1st. She's seeking $10 million in damages. A thorough investigation would have uncovered that Jennifer Ashrafi brought many of these same issues, that corroborate Melissas characterization of events, to England in January 2020, months before Melissa filed her charge with the EEOC. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Melissa McGurren, who worked for 22 years at the station, filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago, claiming the company did not perform an investigation or conducted a sham investigation of her earlier allegations and that Hubbard attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to staff last week, the Chicago Tribune reports. After taking Ferguson off the air last October following a series of allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power by former female co-workers, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host last November. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our.
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