Right now, thats a fair assessment. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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.". 0. OK, love you all. 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. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. -. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." She has excellent taste. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges 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's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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. oh and REINVENTION. 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. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges 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. Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. The dismissal of Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago doesn't mean the end of legal problems for Eric Ferguson or the parent company of hot adult . Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak Fans have been worried. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. 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. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. 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're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Owner of 'The Mix' didn't defame former assistant who accused host Eric One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. 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. 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 . "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. I want to just make sure that I wished everybody a happy belated Thanksgiving and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and miss you all. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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." Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit - Yahoo! 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. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook Honestly, let her not forget that. 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. 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. Starting. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. You have permission to edit this article. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. She is such a proud mom. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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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. 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. 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''. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Radio host sells Hinsdale home for less than he paid - Crain's Chicago Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Theres still some major concerns. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Her new role will make them direct competitors. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. How would you rate this article? Dismissal of Melissa McGurren's defamation suit doesn't end legal 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.. 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. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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.. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Thanks for reading! 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.. 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). 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. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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." Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. 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. 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. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Thanks, you guys. It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren 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. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. "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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. I really truly am. 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). View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Feder: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings - Daily Herald 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. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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. 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 decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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 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. 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. 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. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior