The former morning show co-host at Hubbard hot AC "The Mix" WTMX Chicago has withdrawn her appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed the suit. 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. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. oh and REINVENTION. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. 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. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. May 6, 2021. "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. 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. 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." A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. Thank you for all those great messages. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. :). She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. 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. Thanks, you guys. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. OK, love you all. 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. She is such a proud mom. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. Honestly, let her not forget that. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . 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. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. 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. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. 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. Ferguson, 55, has denied the allegations but was sidelined from his popular morning show in October 2021, weeks after the Tribune first reported that DeNicolo had sued him earlier that year. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Wednesdays comment of the day: Charles Schutt: Isn't joining NewsNation now pretty comparable to wanting a deckchair on the Andrea Doria or the Titanic AS they are going down? DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. We wish her the best.. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. 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. 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. Facebook gives people the. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. 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. 13 talking about this. Thanks for reading! How would you rate this article? Starting. 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 co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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 spent 22 years with WTMX-101.9-FM and co-hosted the "Eric in the Morning" with Ferguson, in 2020 filed suit against WTMX owner Hubbard Radio Chicago, claiming an email sent to her former coworkers implied she was lying about alleged abusive behavior by Ferguson. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. "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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. 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. 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. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. 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.. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). I really truly am. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 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. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. 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 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. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. 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. 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. 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. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. 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.. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. CHICAGO - A federal judge has dismissed Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit against her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, whom she alleged falsely branded her a liar. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. "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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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.. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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.. 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. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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.. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. She loves that they listen to her, that they reach out to her, and that they want to connect with her through their own stories. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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. 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." McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. 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 . She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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. 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 . Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? 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. 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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 . Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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. Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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 . 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. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. 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 also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. 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. 0. By. 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.