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McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Its an adjustment to have to talk about your life to so many people, but she loves that it allows her to connect to those around her. oh and REINVENTION. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. 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." McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. She is a mother. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. 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 . 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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." Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX "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. May 6, 2021. 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. 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.. Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX The Tribune also reports that McGurren, who co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" on The Mix, described Ferguson in a December complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a "serial abuser of women" who had subjected her to an "unbearable hostile work environment." Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. 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. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com 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. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . 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. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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. Honestly, let her not forget that. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Facebook gives people the. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. 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 . Radio host sells Hinsdale home for less than he paid - Crain's Chicago Melissa McGurren - Facebook The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. She's seeking $10 million in damages. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. I really truly am. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Starting. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. She is such a proud mom. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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. 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. 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.". "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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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.". WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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.. 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. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Feder: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings - Daily Herald 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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning 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. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. I cant believe Justin Fields and I are moving to Chicago at the same time, especially considering he throws a much tighter spiral than me, Huff was quoted as saying. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. 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." We wish her the best.. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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. 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. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Mom 1st. 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. 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. Thank you so much. 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. 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. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Radio Ink. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix 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. 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. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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.. 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. 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.. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. Theres still some major concerns. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] "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. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 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. 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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Thank you for all those great messages. 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 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. 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. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Thanks, you guys. 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''. 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. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. 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. In response to McGurrens earlier claims, VP/Market Manager Jeff England said in an email to staff that the company thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. McGurren, who worked for the WTMX-FM for 22 years, alleged in the suit that the station defamed her in choosing not to side with her in her complaints of sexual harassment by Ferguson. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit Melissa McGurren - Facebook 13 talking about this. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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.