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. "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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Thanks, you guys. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. 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 co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" during a 22-year stretch at the station, sued FERGUSON alleging a pattern of sexual misconduct. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. 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. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. Hubbard Radio/Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff England said in a memo to employees on October 5 that the company "thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. 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. 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. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Thank you so much. 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 Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. 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. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. oh and REINVENTION. 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MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. 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. 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. 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 currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. 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. 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. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Theres still some major concerns. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. 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." 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.". Tell us what's wrong with this post? Shes a lot more local than most people assume. 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. 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." However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. 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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. "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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Thanks for reading! It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. McGurren spent most of . It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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. 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. 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. 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. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. She's seeking $10 million in damages. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. 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." In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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." Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. May 6, 2021. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Mom 1st. 10 Things You Didnt Know about The Sticklers, Luann de Lesseps Accuses Russell Simmons of Groping Her, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Mariana Jasel, 10 Things You Didnt Know About Leo Sheng, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Lele Pons, Being a Movie Superhero Doesnt Always Mean Your Kids Will Like It, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Rila Fukushima, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Asya Branch, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Tricia Ana, Guy Builds Insane Star Trek Man Cave Theater, This Clever Never-Ending LEGO Climber Automaton. Thank you for all those great messages. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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. 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 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 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. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. She has excellent taste. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. How could we improve it? How would you rate this article? 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. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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 accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. 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. 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. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. 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. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. 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. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 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." The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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.". Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. 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. I really truly am. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. 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. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. 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. 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, Robert Feder writes. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. She is such a proud mom. Hes part of Melissas morning show. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Radio Ink. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. She too was represented by Mandell. 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. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. We wish her the best.. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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 . Honestly, let her not forget that.
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