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." How would you rate this article? 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." Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. She is such a proud mom. She is a mother. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Fans have been worried. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Thank you so much. By. -. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. 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. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. But we also owe it to ourselves and our listeners to have a deliberate and thoughtful process about our path forward, and candidly we are not there yet.. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. NAB Asks FCC to Complete 2018 Quadrennial Review, Laden Joins WABC/New York as News Director and Host, Audacy Launches ''Front Range Country 103.1'' in Denver, WPZS (Praise 100.9)/Charlotte Ups Melanie Pratt to APD, iHeartMedia's Podcast Platform Spreaker is Now Free, KINK-FM/Portland Adds ''The Greg Beharrell Show''. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. 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 has excellent taste. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 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." "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. May 6, 2021. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. 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. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. 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. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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 . OK, love you all. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. For the second time, a federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit related to the way Hubbard Radio Chicago handled misconduct allegations against onetime star host Eric Ferguson. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. Mom 1st. 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. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. 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.. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. 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 wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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Thanks, you guys. our stories straight," and advised her to "stay silent and to deny any allegations by other women that Ferguson had engaged in inappropriate behavior," according to the lawsuit. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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.". I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. 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. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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. Theres still some major concerns. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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.". You have permission to edit this article. Radio Ink. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . She too was represented by Mandell. 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. 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. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. 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. 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 also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 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). DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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 . The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. 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 is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. "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. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. 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. Thank you for all those great messages. 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. Honestly, let her not forget that. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. 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. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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..