Thanks for reading! 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Hubbard Radio Wants Court To Dismiss Defamation Suits From Eric His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. 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.. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink By. 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. 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. 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. 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 really truly am. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. 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. OK, love you all. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against How could we improve it? :). Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 1 talking about this. 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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Facebook gives people the. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Dismissal of Melissa McGurren's defamation suit doesn't end legal 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. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. 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." 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.. "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. 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. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. How would you rate this article? Mom 1st. 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 Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX "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. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter 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 . Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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 and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. 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. 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. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning Melissa McGurren - Facebook 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. -. 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. She too was represented by Mandell. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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. 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. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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. 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. 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. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Thanks, you guys. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Radio host sells Hinsdale home for less than he paid - Crain's Chicago We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos 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 . You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. 0. 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. Radio Ink. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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. 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 will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. 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. McGurren spent most of . 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. 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 a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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.". 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. oh and REINVENTION. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. 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. 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. 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 decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. 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. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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''. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. 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. 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. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. 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. Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 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. 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 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. Fans have been worried. 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 brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . 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. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. 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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. 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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 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. 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." Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. 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. 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.