(Daniel Boczarski/Getty). A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. She is a mother. 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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. By. Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX "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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . Ashrafi, who was afternoon co-host and traffic reporter at WTMX using the on-air name Jennifer Roberts, is the fourth former female staff member to back claims against the station and Ferguson. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. 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. 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." I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. The rest of the station's lineup remains intact, with New York-based Katie Neal from noon to 3 p.m., Scotty Kay from 3 to 7 p.m. and Detroit-based Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from 7 p.m. to midnight. 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. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. 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. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. 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She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. I really truly am. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. 0. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning 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. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. :). Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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''. Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. 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. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Mom 1st. our stories straight," and advised her to "stay silent and to deny any allegations by other women that Ferguson had engaged in inappropriate behavior," according to the lawsuit. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million 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.. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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. 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, 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. Facebook gives people the. How could we improve it? Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Her new role will make them direct competitors. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. 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 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. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. Audacy Announces Debut of New Morning Show on US99 in Chicago 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." While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. You have permission to edit this article. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. 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. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. 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. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX 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. 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 . 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.. Honestly, let her not forget that. Radio Ink. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. It acknowledges the existence of plaintiffs pending EEOC claim, does not discuss particular facts, and simply indicates that the station has conducted its own investigations and does not agree with Plaintiffs characterization of events a classic statement of opinion.. 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. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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." 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.. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. 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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Radio host sells Hinsdale home for less than he paid - Crain's Chicago It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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.". 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. 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. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. 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. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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. 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. Tell us what's wrong with this post? After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. 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, 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. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . 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." Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. 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. Owner of 'The Mix' didn't defame former assistant who accused host Eric 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. 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. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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 . 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. 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. DeNicolo, a former WTMX assistant producer, claims Hubbard defamed her in statements it made to the Chicago Tribune after the newspaper first reported on her original suit against Ferguson. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] "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. Thanks for reading! She has excellent taste. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. 1 talking about this. 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. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team.
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