In her defamation suit, McGurren, who worked for 22 years at WTMX, claimed Hubbard did not perform an investigation or conducted a sham investigation of her earlier harassment allegations against Ferguson and that Hubbard attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to staff about her allegations. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. We wish her the best.. oh and REINVENTION. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. 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. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, US99 tied for 15th in mornings with a 2.0 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 250,800. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. "Drew [Walker] returns to late mornings and middays and will continue to bring the energy and companionship country listeners have grown to love to get them through their day. 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. Wednesdays comment of the day: Charles Schutt: Isn't joining NewsNation now pretty comparable to wanting a deckchair on the Andrea Doria or the Titanic AS they are going down? 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. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Mom 1st. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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. On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." 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. Thanks for reading! McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. He calls her the secret weapon, and continues with, theres something unique about her, something super appealing, that is so central to the show, and hes not wrong according to fans. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Her writing has allowed her to visit NYC for Fashion Week events since 2015, and she's worked with clients in almost every field, from dentistry to law and family to entertainment. 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. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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''. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to co-host of Eric Ferguson's morning show at The Mix, has been off the air since she and the station parted company late last year. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . May 6, 2021. 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. decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim, Column: For the Chicago Blackhawks remodel to work, their new house had better be built on a strong foundation, Merrillville food and beverage tax edging closer to reality, Remains found in Rockdale more than 25 years ago identified as Aurora woman, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 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." Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. :). She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 13 talking about this. 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.On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." A former assistant producer for Ferguson, Cynthia DeNicolo, had alleged the company defamed her last year by stating it found no evidence to corroborate her allegations that Ferguson engaged in illegal workplace conduct at WTMX-FM 101.9. Thanks, you guys. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. DeNicolos other lawsuit, against Hubbard, accused her former employer of defaming her when the company stated it had investigated her claims against Ferguson but did not find corroborating evidence. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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 . She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. 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. 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. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). OK, love you all. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. England's October 5 email prompted McGurren to sue for defamation, alleging that his statement falsely branded her a liar by attacking her credibility and integrity. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. She is such a proud mom. 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. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. In the defamation suit filed Thursday, she said Hubbard did not perform an investigation or conducted "a sham investigation" into her allegations, and the company attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made last week to staff. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Mom 1st. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Last week U.S. District Court. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Tell us what's wrong with this post? She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. But in a Nov. 28 written opinion, U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama of the Northern District of Illinois found the statements were nonactionable and did not defame DeNicolo. Starting. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession.
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