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. Melissa McGurren - Facebook 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.. Fans have been worried. You have permission to edit this article. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit - Yahoo! How would you rate this article? After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. 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. OK, love you all. 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. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. 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. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. "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. Thank you for all those great messages. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. 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. Theres still some major concerns. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. 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. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 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 . She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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 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. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois 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. Thanks for reading! Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. 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. 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. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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 radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. 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. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings 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. 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. 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. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Facebook gives people the. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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.. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 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. 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. :). Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. "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. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. Honestly, let her not forget that. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. 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. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. 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 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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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." 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 . 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. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Starting. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Her lawsuit claims station vice president Jeff England defamed her when he sent a message to staff in 2020 stating the station had investigated her claims and did not agree with [McGurrens] characterization of events a statement that McGurren said implied she was a liar, and which she claimed impugned her integrity. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. How could we improve it? Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times Radio host sells Hinsdale home for less than he paid - Crain's Chicago Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. Feder: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings - Daily Herald Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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.. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. While she does not address the actual reason for her disappearance, she does make it clear that she and her family are all healthy and shes hopeful everyone stays that way. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. She too was represented by Mandell. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. -. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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. Owner of 'The Mix' didn't defame former assistant who accused host Eric 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. 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. 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. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Radio Ink. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. oh and REINVENTION. Melissa McGurren - Facebook May 6, 2021. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Dismissal of Melissa McGurren's defamation suit doesn't end legal 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.". 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.. 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. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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 Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. She's seeking $10 million in damages. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Mom 1st. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. 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." 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . 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.
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