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 . Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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, 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. 1 talking about this. May 6, 2021. :). (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. "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. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Facebook gives people the. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 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. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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? No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Honestly, let her not forget that. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. 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's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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. 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. Thanks, you guys. 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. 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. 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 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." Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. 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 judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. Her new role will make them direct competitors. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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 . It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. 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 . Tell us what's wrong with this post? WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. OK, love you all. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. 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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. oh and REINVENTION. 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. 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 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." He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. 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. In a March 1 ruling, Judge Ronald Guzman found Hubbard Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff Englands comments to be non-actionable statements of opinion that did not fall into any of the five categories that Illinois law deems to be defamatory. 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. "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. How would you rate this article? We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. 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." (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. 13 talking about this. Thanks for reading! Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. 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. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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 now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. 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. 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.. 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. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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. 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. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 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. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Theres still some major concerns. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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 . In the suit, McGurren said the station falsely calls (her) a liar and attacks (her) integrity credibility when it said in a statement that it did not agree with McGurrens characterization of events in relation to Ferguson. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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.". "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. 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. 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. Thank you for all those great messages. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. She has excellent taste. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. She loves that they listen to her, that they reach out to her, and that they want to connect with her through their own stories. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. 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, 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. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. 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. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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 spent most of . Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. She too was represented by Mandell. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her.