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.". 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. You have permission to edit this article. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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. 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 first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. 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." 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. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. 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. 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. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. 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Theres still some major concerns. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. Radio Ink. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. :). Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . 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. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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 . 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. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. 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. 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 also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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 defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. 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. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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.. Facebook gives people the. 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. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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. 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''. 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. OK, love you all. She too was represented by Mandell. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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.. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Thank you for all those great messages. 1 talking about this. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. 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. 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. 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. Thanks, you guys. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. McGurren spent most of . By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. 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. 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 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.. 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). 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. Mom 1st. May 6, 2021. How would you rate this article? Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. 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. 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However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. oh and REINVENTION. 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.". 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 13 talking about this. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. oh and REINVENTION. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. "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. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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. 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." When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. "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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. 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.. 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.. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Fans have been worried. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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. 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. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 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 Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. I really truly am. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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.

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