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WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Honestly, let her not forget that. 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 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. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. 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. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. You have permission to edit this article. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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. 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 then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Tell us what's wrong with this post? -. 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. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. 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.. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. oh and REINVENTION. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. She has excellent taste. 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 . Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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 co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. 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. 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. 1 talking about this. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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. 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." 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. 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.. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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.. 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. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Thank you for all those great messages. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Thanks for reading! 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's seeking $10 million in damages. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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 currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 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). The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. 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. 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? 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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 now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Last week U.S. District Court. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Mom 1st. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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. Theres still some major concerns. 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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 . Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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." Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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.". 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. 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. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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. 0. 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. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. 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. 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. 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." 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 flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. 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. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . 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. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. 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. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. 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. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. 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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. 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. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Fans have been worried. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . 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.. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. 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. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. "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." Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. "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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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 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. 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..