Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. 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. 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. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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. 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. Radio Ink. 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's seeking $10 million in damages. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. 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." After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. :). McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by 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 new morning show, Robert Feder writes. 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. 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. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. 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. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . We wish her the best.. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. 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, 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. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. A thorough investigation would have uncovered that Jennifer Ashrafi brought many of these same issues, that corroborate Melissas characterization of events, to England in January 2020, months before Melissa filed her charge with the EEOC. The 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. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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. Theres still some major concerns. 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 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. oh and REINVENTION. 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 . The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Thank you so much. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. 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. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. 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.. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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. 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 released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. 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 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. 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. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. 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. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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. 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 won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. Thanks for reading! 1 talking about this. By. Thank you for all those great messages. She has excellent taste. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Honestly, let her not forget that. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. 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. 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. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. 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 . Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. Ferguson stepped down as host of the popular show in October, amid outcry over McGurrens allegations and claims of sexual assault and workplace harassment made by other female employees of The Mix.. McGurren had argued that when the station owner made its statement, it knew that Ferguson was a serial abuser of women and that Hubbard knowingly published false information when it said it did not agree with her characterization of events. It 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. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 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. Melissa McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Fergusons top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX 101.9-FM. 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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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 our US99 family and making mornings . The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. CHICAGO An Illinois District Court judge on Friday dismissed a $10 million defamation lawsuit by former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren, who had filed suit against her former employer in . Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 0. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. 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. "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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. 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. 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. 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.. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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. 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 Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. 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"I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. 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. 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. How would you rate 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 brand-new morning show. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. oh and REINVENTION. 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 will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. 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. 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." McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. -. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. OK, love you all. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. 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. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. How could we improve it? No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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.
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