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 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. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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. The former morning show co-host at Hubbard hot AC The Mix WTMX Chicago has withdrawn her appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed the suit. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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.". Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. 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. 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. 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, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX Shes a lot more local than most people assume. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. 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. 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 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. 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. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. 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. How could we improve it? McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. 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. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings 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. 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.. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. 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." Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. 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? 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. 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. 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. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Starting. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Hubbard Radio Wants Court To Dismiss Defamation Suits From Eric Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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 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. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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''. Fans have been worried. 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. 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." Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. It is humiliating to watch and dehumanizing to know that nothing can be done because the management at The Mix approved Fergusons misconduct by their silence in not reprimanding him., Ashrafis filing continued: This is one of many examples of microaggressions and suggestive comments women at The Mix are expected to endure (in addition to being underpaid and marginalized). Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Thanks, you guys. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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. 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. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . While McGurrens case against Hubbard has ended, a similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo against the broadcaster continues to be litigated in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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 love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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, 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. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. She has excellent taste. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. 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. Honestly, let her not forget that. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. You have permission to edit this article. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. Mom 1st. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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 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. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. By. 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Theres still some major concerns. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . We take these allegations seriously and we are confident in the results of multiple investigations we have initiated, England said when announcing to staff that Ferguson would not be hosting mornings in October. The 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. 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. Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix 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. 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. 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. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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.. 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. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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.