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. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. 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. How would you rate this article? 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. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. OK, love you all. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. 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's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. 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. 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. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. 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. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). Shes a lot more local than most people assume. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. 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. 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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''. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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." Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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 currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. 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. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. -. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the 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. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. 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. She is a mother. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. 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.. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. 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). Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. We wish her the best.. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Starting. 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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 and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. 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. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. She is such a proud mom. 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." When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Thanks for reading! 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. 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. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. McGurren spent most of . Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. oh and REINVENTION. 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. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. You have permission to edit this article. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. 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. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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." (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. 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. 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. 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.. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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." Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. 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. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. 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. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. :). 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.
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