Mom 1st. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. 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. 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind Radio host sells Hinsdale home for less than he paid - Crain's Chicago She is a mother. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit - Yahoo! Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. 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). 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. 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. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. 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. 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.. After taking Ferguson off the air last October following a series of allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power by former female co-workers, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host last November. 13 talking about this. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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 breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior 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. 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. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. 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. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren 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 also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Facebook gives people the. We wish her the best.. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against 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. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. In her defamation suit, McGurren, who worked for 22 years at WTMX, claimed Hubbard did not perform an investigation or conducted a sham investigation of her earlier harassment allegations against Ferguson and that Hubbard attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to staff about her allegations. How would you rate this article? Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. Last week U.S. District Court. 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." 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. 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. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. She has excellent taste. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. 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." (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 0. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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 . "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Honestly, let her not forget that. 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. 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. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Melissa McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Fergusons top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX 101.9-FM. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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. 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. 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." 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. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. :). McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. 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. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. The rest of the station's lineup remains intact, with New York-based Katie Neal from noon to 3 p.m., Scotty Kay from 3 to 7 p.m. and Detroit-based Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from 7 p.m. to midnight. Dismissal of Melissa McGurren's defamation suit doesn't end legal similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. 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." She's seeking $10 million in damages. oh and REINVENTION. Mom 1st. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Audacy Announces Debut of New Morning Show on US99 in Chicago Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. 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. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. 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. 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? His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. 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''. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Thanks, you guys. 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. 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. Owner of 'The Mix' didn't defame former assistant who accused host Eric Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. You have permission to edit this article. 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 currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. 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. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. She too was represented by Mandell. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Fans have been worried. 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. Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. 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. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Thank you so much. 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. McGurren spent most of . A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. WUSN-FM (US99)/Chicago morning co-host Melissa McGurren has filed a defamation lawsuit against her former employer, crosstown Hubbard Radio, reports the Chicago Tribune.On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." She is such a proud mom. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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.