Melissa McGurren, who was a mainstay of Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM for 22 years, has been hired by Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM to lead a new morning show. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Ashrafi, who was afternoon co-host and traffic reporter at WTMX using the on-air name Jennifer Roberts, is the fourth former female staff member to back claims against the station and Ferguson. 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. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. 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. Thank you so much. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. "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. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. 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. 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. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Starting. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. 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. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. 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 . Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). May 6, 2021. She too was represented by Mandell. 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. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. We wish her the best.. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. You have permission to edit this article. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. 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. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. 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." Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. 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. -. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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. While McGurrens case against Hubbard has ended, a similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo against the broadcaster continues to be litigated in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. 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." 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. She is a mother. 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. 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. 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. Last week U.S. District Court. 1 talking about this. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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.. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. She has excellent taste. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. The former morning show co-host at Hubbard hot AC The Mix WTMX Chicago has withdrawn her appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed the suit. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. 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. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. 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). 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. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. 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. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Thanks, you guys. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. I want to just make sure that I wished everybody a happy belated Thanksgiving and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and miss you all. 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. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. 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 . I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. 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 court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. 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. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Thank you for all those great messages. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Huff, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and self-described country music fan, is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. 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. By. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Fans have been worried. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. Facebook gives people the. She described him as a serial abuser of women and said management failed to respond and then forced her out when she demanded that the alleged harassment stop. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. 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 . 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. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. How could we improve it? WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. 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. 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Theres still some major concerns. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. 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. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. She is such a proud mom. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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.". Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. 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, 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. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . 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. oh and REINVENTION. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? 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. Thanks for reading! Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 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? No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. 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." Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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.. 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, 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. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard.