According to the newspaper, the suit includes a declaration as an exhibit from another former employee, Jennifer Ashrafi, who said she left as the station's afternoon co-host in January, 2020 because she was so "disgusted" by the "misogyny, gender discrimination and hostile work environment that was pervasive" at the station. OK, love you all. 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. You have permission to edit this article. She is such a proud mom. 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. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. 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 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 been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Honestly, let her not forget that. -. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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. 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. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Radio Ink. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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. 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? 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." You have permission to edit this article. 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. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 0. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Visitation, Funeral Set For Fallen Chicago Police Officer, Police Chief And US Attorney Plan Resignation + Police Funeral, New Details Emerge In Chicago Cop's Slaying, No Bail For 18-Year-Old, 2023 Employment Law Updates: New Compliance Obligations for 2023, Information Session: Human Resources Certificate Programs, Financial Planning Certificate Information Session, Working, Weaving, Filming: Naomi Uman and Laura Huertas Milln, Illinois 16 or 8-Hour Illinois Concealed Carry Classes $160, Celebrate National Oreo Cookie Day with $3 Oreo Cookies & Cream Shakes @ Burger 21 Orland Park, Outpouring Of Support At Vigil For Fallen Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, Chicago FOP President John Catanzara Facing Challenger In Bid For Re-Election, Food Pantries Prepare To See Rise In Demand After SNAP Benefits Cut, Mike'd Up: How A Chicagoan's Ditka-Inspired Bachelor Party Went Viral. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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.". 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. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. She too was represented by Mandell. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 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. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. 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. 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. Her writing gained recognition and since 2009, she's written for sites such as What to Expect, Where'd My Sanity Go, and dozens more. Hes part of Melissas morning show. DeNicolos other lawsuit, against Hubbard, accused her former employer of defaming her when the company stated it had investigated her claims against Ferguson but did not find corroborating evidence. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. 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. 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Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for 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. 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 . 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." Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. Fans have been worried. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. "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. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. Thanks for reading! 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. 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. Thanks, you guys. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. 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. 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. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. She has excellent taste. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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. 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 . Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. McGurren had been with WTMX for 22 years serving as a traffic reporter until moving up to morning co-host following the departure of Kathy . Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. 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. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 1 talking about this. 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. 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.. Facebook gives people the. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. :). 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.. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Thank you so much. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. oh and REINVENTION. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . By. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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. 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. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. "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. 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. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. 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. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. "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. Mom 1st. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. 13 talking about this. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. May 6, 2021. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. How could we improve it? I really truly am. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Theres still some major concerns. 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. McGurren spent most of . 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.. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. Mom 1st. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . 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. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. 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. 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. 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.
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