Hubbard Radio Wants Court To Dismiss Defamation Suits From Eric The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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.. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 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. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. 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 had been with WTMX for 22 years serving as a traffic reporter until moving up to morning co-host following the departure of Kathy . No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Cheryl Corley, Greg Kot win Headline Club Lifetime Achievement Awards, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to co-host of Eric Ferguson's morning show at The Mix, has been off the air since she and the station parted company late last year. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. 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." We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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 A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. I really truly am. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. She too was represented by Mandell. 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. 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. 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. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. 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. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. "The Mix is sad to announce that after 22 years with the station, Melissa McGurren was offered a contract extension which much to our surprise she declined," the statement said. 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 was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Thank you for all those great messages. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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 wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. A hearing on Hubbards motion to dismiss was held Tuesday, Aug. 30 and the court is expected to issue an opinion on the motion soon. Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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.". McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 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? 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. 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. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak She is a mother. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. 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. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX 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. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. McGurren claimed in her filing that the station's management protected Ferguson for years by allowing him to "perpetuate his misconduct that goes far beyond the limits of decency." The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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.. May 6, 2021. 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. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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, 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 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. McGurren spent most of . Feder: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings - Daily Herald "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Honestly, let her not forget that. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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. "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. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren - Facebook In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. How could we improve it? 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. 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). McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. We wish her the best.. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed 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 are heartened by the fact that now two federal courts and an arbitrator have ruled in Hubbards favor and have concluded that the claims brought by Ms. McGurren and Ms. DeNicolo against Hubbard lacked any legal merit, attorney Michael Roche, a partner at Winston & Strawn who represented Hubbard Radio Chicago in the litigation, said in an emailed statement. It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. :). The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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. 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 . "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. 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. 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 while responding to her harassment claims against former co-host Eric Ferguson. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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''. Starting. Theres still some major concerns. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. 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. 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Thanks, you guys. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. 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. 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. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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. 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. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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.. She has excellent taste. OK, love you all. Thanks for reading! 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.". But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times