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. 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. 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. When he stepped down after 25 years at the station, Ferguson said in a statement that he was energized to move forward and defend myself against claims made against me and the station.. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. Last week U.S. District Court. 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.". She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Thank you for all those great messages. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Her writing gained recognition and since 2009, she's written for sites such as What to Expect, Where'd My Sanity Go, and dozens more. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. 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. 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.. 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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. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Thanks for reading! She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Theres still some major concerns. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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. 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. Starting. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. McGurren comes from Hubbard Broadcasting crosstown hot AC "101.9 FM The Mix" WTMX, where she spent more than two decades, first as a traffic reporter then as co-host of "Eric in the Morning." 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. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. 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." 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. 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. 13 talking about this. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 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. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. 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. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. 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. We wish her the best.. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Rachel Williamson, regional president and market manager of Audacy Chicago, said the team of McGurren and Huff "will bring energy, positivity, chemistry, and a lot of fun to this fresh and dynamic local show to serve Chicagos country listeners. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. oh and REINVENTION. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. The accusations of sexual harassment and abuse of power levied against Eric Ferguson continue to pile up as a fourth accuser has come forward, while the station he hosts mornings at, Hubbard hot AC 101.9 The Mix WTMX Chicago, is hit with a $10 million lawsuit from a former co-host of Fergusons. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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. Mom 1st. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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 court documents filed Oct. 5, McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women and claimed that station management for years has protected Ferguson in allowing him to continue in perpetrating his misconduct that goes far beyond the limits of decency despite ample notice from me and many of my co-workers that Fergusons behavior is unlawful. McGurren went on to say that the long-running morning host has grossly abused his power, and his conduct was the major reason the station became a hostile working environment., Her accusations were submitted as supporting evidence in an amended defamation lawsuit brought by former WTMX Associate Producer Cynthia DeNicolo against Hubbard. 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. 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. How would you rate this article? The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. 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 . McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. It acknowledges the existence of plaintiffs pending EEOC claim, does not discuss particular facts, and simply indicates that the station has conducted its own investigations and does not agree with Plaintiffs characterization of events a classic statement of opinion.. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. "A thorough investigation would have uncovered that Jennifer Ashrafi brought many of these same issues, that corroborate Melissa's 'characterization of events,' to England in January, 2020, months before Melissa filed her charge" with the EEOC. "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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. It is humiliating to watch and dehumanizing to know that nothing can be done because the management at The Mix approved Fergusons misconduct by their silence in not reprimanding him., Ashrafis filing continued: This is one of many examples of microaggressions and suggestive comments women at The Mix are expected to endure (in addition to being underpaid and marginalized). The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. She alleged her former employer had falsely branded her a liar when the company said in an email to staff that it had thoroughly investigated her EEOC complaint and did not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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.. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. 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. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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, Robert Feder writes. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." A second female former employee of WTMX-FM has come forward to say longtime on-air host Eric Ferguson engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct, alleging in a Thursday court filing that he groped. 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. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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 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. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. "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. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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 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. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. A federal judge this week dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by a former co-host of one of Chicagos top morning drive radio shows over alleged harassment by star Eric Ferguson. 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. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. You have permission to edit this article. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. OK, love you all. Bye bye., Ferguson, who was not involved in the negotiations between Mandell and Hubbard, said: "I was surprised and disappointed when I heard the news, but I think it's important to be supportive when someone chooses to do something new in their life.". View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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? 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. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. 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. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 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. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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''. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Thanks, you guys. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. 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. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. 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. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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 status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. May 6, 2021. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois 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. 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. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. McGurren, who claimed the company defamed her when it responded to her harassment charges against former Mix co-host Eric Ferguson, filed an amended appeal July 29 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh District. 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. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. 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." 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Fans have been worried. 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. 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 . She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. 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. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job..
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