DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. 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. 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. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . 0. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. 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. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. 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 . Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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.". Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. Tell us what's wrong with this post? 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 described him as a serial abuser of women and said management failed to respond and then forced her out when she demanded that the alleged harassment stop. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. Mom 1st. 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. "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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. 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. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. 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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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. 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. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. 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. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Honestly, let her not forget that. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Thanks for reading! US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. :). A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Eric in the Morning assistant producer Cynthia DeNicolowho also occasionally worked as a babysitter for Ferguson and his then-wifealso has sued the station, claiming Ferguson used his star power to coerce her into sex acts when she first began working for the station, and, for years after she began refusing his come-ons, taunted her in front of co-workers. 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. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. 1 talking about this. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. 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. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. She too was represented by Mandell. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. "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. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. She's seeking $10 million in damages. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Thanks, you guys. 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. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. In response to McGurrens earlier claims, VP/Market Manager Jeff England said in an email to staff that the company thoroughly investigated this matter previously. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. 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. 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. 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." Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. England's October 5 email prompted McGurren to sue for defamation, alleging that his statement falsely branded her a liar by attacking her credibility and integrity. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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 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. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. I really truly am. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Hes part of Melissas morning show. OK, love you all. Rachel Williamson, regional president and market manager of Audacy Chicago, said the team of McGurren and Huff "will bring energy, positivity, chemistry, and a lot of fun to this fresh and dynamic local show to serve Chicagos country listeners. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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 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. 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. Thank you for all those great messages. 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.. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. 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. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. She is a mother. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. oh and REINVENTION. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. 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. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. 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''. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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. She is such a proud mom. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. We wish her the best.. oh and REINVENTION. "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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. 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. 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. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. 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. 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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 know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be, and I couldn't be happier to make this new move in my career.". MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. 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.