Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. 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." 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. oh and REINVENTION. It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. 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." McGurren spent most of . We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. I really truly am. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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 grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. 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. 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. Thank you so much. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. In the court filings made public Tuesday, McGurren said that during her 22-year career at The Mix she rose from traffic reporter to show co-host with Ferguson and Brian "Whip" Paruch, who she. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Radio Ink. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Thanks for reading! Facebook gives people the. 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. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. 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. I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be, and I couldn't be happier to make this new move in my career.". McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois 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. How would you rate this article? She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. DeNicolo, a former WTMX assistant producer, claims Hubbard defamed her in statements it made to the Chicago Tribune after the newspaper first reported on her original suit against Ferguson. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Honestly, let her not forget that. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. 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. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. 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''. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. 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.. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Melissa McGurren - Facebook 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. Thanks, you guys. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. Her new role will make them direct competitors. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. She has excellent taste. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. 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. Starting. 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. How could we improve it? At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 13 talking about this. 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. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . 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. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. 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. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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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. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. You have permission to edit this article. 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.. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. 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. 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.. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. "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. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country 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. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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. 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. By. 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 . By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Melissa McGurren - Facebook WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. oh and REINVENTION. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings 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 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. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. 0. 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. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. 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). A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 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. 1 talking about this. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against 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. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. 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.. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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? 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. 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 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.