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. She too was represented by Mandell. 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. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. McGurren spent most of . 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. 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.. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 1 talking about this. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. 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. By. 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. 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 - Facebook 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. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Melissa McGurren, Five Songs That Lead to the Creation of a Movie or TV Show, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Brandon Flynn. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. OK, love you all. 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. Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Thanks, you guys. 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. How could we improve it? Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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.". 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. Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM, worked at the Hubbard Radio Chicago station that's more popularly known as The Mix for more than two decades before leaving in 2020. 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 judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Thank you for all those great messages. 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." What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. But the remarks in Englands note, which soon after appeared in the press, did not rise to the level of defamation under Illinois state law, according to an order issued Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman dismissing the case. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. The 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. 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. 10 Things You Didnt Know about The Sticklers, Luann de Lesseps Accuses Russell Simmons of Groping Her, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Mariana Jasel, 10 Things You Didnt Know About Leo Sheng, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Lele Pons, Being a Movie Superhero Doesnt Always Mean Your Kids Will Like It, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Rila Fukushima, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Asya Branch, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Tricia Ana, Guy Builds Insane Star Trek Man Cave Theater, This Clever Never-Ending LEGO Climber Automaton. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. 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 reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges 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. 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind She has excellent taste. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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 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. 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. How would you rate this article? Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. You have permission to edit this article. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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 . 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.. 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 (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. In many ways, McGurren's departure was a replay of the drama that unfolded in 2017 when Kathy Hart severed ties with the station after 21 years as Ferguson's co-host. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times While not claiming that Ferguson abused her specifically, Ashrafi said the disgraced morning host was rude and dismissive to women., His abusive behavior is open and known by all at The Mix, she said. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. Thank you so much. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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.. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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''. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. Tell us what's wrong with this post? In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . 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 court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 0. 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. 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. 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. oh and REINVENTION. 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. Thanks for reading! The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. 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 is a mother. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. Starting. Hubbard Radio Wants Court To Dismiss Defamation Suits From Eric Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. "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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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 . On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. 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