Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Melissa McGurren, who worked for 22 years at the station, filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago, claiming the company did not perform an investigation or conducted a sham investigation of her earlier allegations and that Hubbard attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to staff last week, the Chicago Tribune reports. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. How could we improve it? In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 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. 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 | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. You have permission to edit this article. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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. "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. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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.". McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. We wish her the best.. 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. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 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." 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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. 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 has a son by the name of Porter, and she does share a little about him on her Instagram page from time to time. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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, 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. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. 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. I really truly am. 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. 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. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. 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. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. oh and REINVENTION. 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 . :). 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. 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. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. -. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. 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. "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. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. 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. Thanks, you guys. 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.. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. 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. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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''. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, The Mix ranked third overall in mornings with a 7.3 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 390,600. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. She too was represented by Mandell. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. While she does not address the actual reason for her disappearance, she does make it clear that she and her family are all healthy and shes hopeful everyone stays that way. Melissa McGurren, 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. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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.". 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. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. McGurren spent most of . View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. 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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Honestly, let her not forget that. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. May 6, 2021. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. 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. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. 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. 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. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Starting. 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.. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. 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. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. 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." 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." A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. 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. 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 . His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Tell us what's wrong with this post? OK, love you all. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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." Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. You have permission to edit this article. 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. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. By. 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Theres still some major concerns. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . 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. 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." The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. 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. 0. 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, who co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" during a 22-year stretch at the station, sued FERGUSON alleging a pattern of sexual misconduct. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. "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. 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).