But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. 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. 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.. 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. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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). Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX I really truly am. 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. Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges 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. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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. 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The suit against Ferguson states that in 2004 she stopped providing oral sex in response to his demands, which he allegedly made by using the code words I need a back rub. She said Ferguson taunted her with the phrase throughout her remaining tenure at the station. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. 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. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. 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. 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. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. 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. Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 We wish her the best.. oh and REINVENTION. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Audacy Announces Debut of New Morning Show on US99 in Chicago By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Last week U.S. District Court. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning 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. 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. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois She is such a proud mom. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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. 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. 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. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. 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 . Starting. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 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. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. 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. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Melissa McGurren, who was a mainstay of Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM for 22 years, has been hired by Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM to lead a brand-new morning show. Chicago 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 too was represented by Mandell. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. A hearing on Hubbards motion to dismiss was held Tuesday, Aug. 30 and the court is expected to issue an opinion on the motion soon. Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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? 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. 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. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. How could we improve it? Melissa McGurren - Facebook OK, love you all. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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 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 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. 13 talking about this. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Her new role will make them direct competitors. oh and REINVENTION. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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." DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. 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. Dismissal of Melissa McGurren's defamation suit doesn't end legal Her lawsuit claims station vice president Jeff England defamed her when he sent a message to staff in 2020 stating the station had investigated her claims and did not agree with [McGurrens] characterization of events a statement that McGurren said implied she was a liar, and which she claimed impugned her integrity. In a four-page ruling issued by the United District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Ronald A. Guzman granted Hubbard Radio Chicago petition to dismiss the suit brought by McGurren. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. She is a mother. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. 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. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter 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. 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. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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. 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 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. 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. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit - Yahoo! 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.. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. CHICAGO An Illinois District Court judge on Friday dismissed a $10 million defamation lawsuit by former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren, who had filed suit against her former employer in . She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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.. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. 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. NAB Asks FCC to Complete 2018 Quadrennial Review, Laden Joins WABC/New York as News Director and Host, Audacy Launches ''Front Range Country 103.1'' in Denver, WPZS (Praise 100.9)/Charlotte Ups Melanie Pratt to APD, iHeartMedia's Podcast Platform Spreaker is Now Free, KINK-FM/Portland Adds ''The Greg Beharrell Show''. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. "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. Facebook gives people the. "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. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Melissa McGurren, Five Songs That Lead to the Creation of a Movie or TV Show, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Brandon Flynn. 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." Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Thank you for all those great messages. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. :). 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. 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. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Mom 1st. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. In 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. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. 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 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. . 1 talking about this. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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.. 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.

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