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 Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. 0. 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. Radio Ink. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. She alleged her former employer had falsely branded her a liar when the company said in an email to staff that it had thoroughly investigated her EEOC complaint and did not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. 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. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . She's seeking $10 million in damages. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Honestly, let her not forget that. We wish her the best.. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . I love smooth jazz Christmas music. "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. 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. 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." No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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." PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 6, 2021 - Audacy announced a new morning show for US99 (WUSN-FM) in Chicago, welcoming local media veteran Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff as morning show co-hosts. She loves that they listen to her, that they reach out to her, and that they want to connect with her through their own stories. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. 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. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. 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. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. oh and REINVENTION. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Right now, thats a fair assessment. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. 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. 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. 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. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. By. 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. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Theres still some major concerns. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. McGurren spent most of . 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. 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 . McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. 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. 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. 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''. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. "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. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. OK, love you all. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Thanks for reading! McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Hes part of Melissas morning show. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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." Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. How could we improve it? She too was represented by Mandell. 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. 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." Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. 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. 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.". 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. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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.. 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 . 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. In the court filings made public Tuesday, McGurren said that during her 22-year career at The Mix she rose from traffic reporter to show co-host with Ferguson and Brian "Whip" Paruch, who she. She has excellent taste. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . She is a mother. I really truly am. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 13 talking about this. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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 . 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's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. 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. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Thanks, you guys. 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.. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Starting. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. How would you rate this article? She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Melissa McGurren, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson's top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX 101.9-FM, Robert Feder writes. She is such a proud mom. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. 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. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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.