But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] She is such a proud mom. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. oh and REINVENTION. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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.. Audacy Announces Debut of New Morning Show on US99 in Chicago Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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." 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.. 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.". 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. By. McGurren spent most of . Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. 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. 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. 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. 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. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Thanks, you guys. She too was represented by Mandell. Huff, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and self-described country music fan, is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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 announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. 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 Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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. 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. Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. Honestly, let her not forget that. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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. 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. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 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. 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. 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. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. 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. 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 a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren 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. Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit - Yahoo! Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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. oh and REINVENTION. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Fans have been worried. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. 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." McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. You have permission to edit this article. Thank you so much. 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. 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. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak 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 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. Facebook gives people the. 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. 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.. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. 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. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. Melissa McGurren - Facebook 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.. Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 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 . 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. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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.. She is a mother. 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. 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. 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. 0. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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." McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. How could we improve it? "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. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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 . Feder: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings - Daily Herald 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Thank you for all those great messages. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. 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.