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Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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. 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. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. 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. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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.. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. 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). It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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 will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. 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. 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. 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. Starting. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. 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. 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 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. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. 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. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 1 talking about this. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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.. She has excellent taste. 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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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. I really truly am. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. How would you rate this article? Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. 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.". We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . 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. 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. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. 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. 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. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. You have permission to edit this article. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. Thanks for reading! McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. 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. 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. OK, love you all. Facebook gives people the. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. Theres still some major concerns. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. 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.". View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. We wish her the best.. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. "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. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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 also brought an EEOC Charge of. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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 seeking $10 million in damages. 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. 13 talking about this. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. She is a mother. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. 0. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. 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. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. 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. 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. 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. Thank you so much. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. oh and REINVENTION. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. 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. 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. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. 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 judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. 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. 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 is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. 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. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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. 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? 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. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. 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 . 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. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. Tell us what's wrong with this post? She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. 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. 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. :). 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.. 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 . Mom 1st. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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 In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. She too was represented by Mandell. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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.