oh and REINVENTION. 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. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 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. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. She's seeking $10 million in damages. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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." Shes a lot more local than most people assume. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Theres still some major concerns. 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. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. "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. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. 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. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Thanks, you guys. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. 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. 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. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Wednesdays comment of the day: Charles Schutt: Isn't joining NewsNation now pretty comparable to wanting a deckchair on the Andrea Doria or the Titanic AS they are going down? Melissa McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson's top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX. You have permission to edit this article. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. -. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. 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. 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. 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. 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. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. 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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. 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. 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. 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 also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. 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. 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. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. May 6, 2021. 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 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 . Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. Thank you for all those great messages. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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.. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. 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. 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. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. We wish her the best.. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. 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). Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. How could we improve it? McGurren spent most of . 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.. DeNicolo also sued Ferguson, claiming he abused his power to coerce sexual favors from her early in her career and then prevented her from advancing after she rebuffed efforts to restart an unwanted sexual relationship.. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. 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. 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''. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. 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. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. 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." Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. 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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. Fans have been worried. 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Facebook gives people the. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. She is such a proud mom. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. Ferguson, 55, has denied the allegations but was sidelined from his popular morning show in October 2021, weeks after the Tribune first reported that DeNicolo had sued him earlier that year. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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 . We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. In a March 1 ruling, Judge Ronald Guzman found Hubbard Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff Englands comments to be non-actionable statements of opinion that did not fall into any of the five categories that Illinois law deems to be defamatory. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 1 talking about this. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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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. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. 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. 0. 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.. 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. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show.
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