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. 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. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . Her new role will make them direct competitors. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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. The former morning show co-host at Hubbard hot AC The Mix WTMX Chicago has withdrawn her appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed the suit. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 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. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. "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. 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." Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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''. 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. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. McGurren spent most of . The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. oh and REINVENTION. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. Visitation, Funeral Set For Fallen Chicago Police Officer, Police Chief And US Attorney Plan Resignation + Police Funeral, New Details Emerge In Chicago Cop's Slaying, No Bail For 18-Year-Old, 2023 Employment Law Updates: New Compliance Obligations for 2023, Information Session: Human Resources Certificate Programs, Financial Planning Certificate Information Session, Working, Weaving, Filming: Naomi Uman and Laura Huertas Milln, Illinois 16 or 8-Hour Illinois Concealed Carry Classes $160, Celebrate National Oreo Cookie Day with $3 Oreo Cookies & Cream Shakes @ Burger 21 Orland Park, Outpouring Of Support At Vigil For Fallen Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, Chicago FOP President John Catanzara Facing Challenger In Bid For Re-Election, Food Pantries Prepare To See Rise In Demand After SNAP Benefits Cut, Mike'd Up: How A Chicagoan's Ditka-Inspired Bachelor Party Went Viral. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. 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. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and 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. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. 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. Facebook gives people the. 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. 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.. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? She is a mother. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. 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 have permission to edit this article. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. -. 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. 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. Fans have been worried. 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. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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 . Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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. 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. 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. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner, Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80, 1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports, Dear Abby: When my husbands brother marries, I should be in the wedding, Jose Abreu on life with the Astros and leaving the White Sox, who werent a family in 2022, Founding fathers didnt own AR-15s or large capacity magazines, Pritzker and Raoul argue in defense of ban, Dear Abby: With boyfriends fussy father living here, I feel trapped, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and wife to invest $250 million in new Chicago research lab, Nazareth beats Lincoln to win Class 3A state title, Why Cubs Keegan Thompson made his 2023 spring-training debut a week after the opener, White Sox manager Pedro Grifol likes Andrew Benintendi in the 3-hole, Are the Bulls fixable this season? Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. She too was represented by Mandell. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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." In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Tell us what's wrong with this post? WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second 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. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. 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." She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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." She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. Last week U.S. District Court. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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. 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. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Theres still some major concerns. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. 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. 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. 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. 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 . 1 talking about this. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. 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. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. 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. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Thanks for reading! 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. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. In the suit, McGurren said the station falsely calls (her) a liar and attacks (her) integrity credibility when it said in a statement that it did not agree with McGurrens characterization of events in relation to Ferguson. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. 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. 13 talking about this. 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. 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. Starting. 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.. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. 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. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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's been with WTMX 101.9 The. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . May 6, 2021. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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 is very proud of the young man her son is becoming, she loves that he is funny and helpful and that he is thoughtful. 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. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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." A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Thank you for all those great messages. 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 really truly am. 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.. 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. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. 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.
Houses For Sale On River Road Yardley, Pa,
Bellatrix Tortures Hermione Fanfiction Draco,
Articles M