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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. 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. 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. 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 . Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. 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. She has excellent taste. 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. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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." It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Thank you so much. 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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 . 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. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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. 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. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. 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 status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Thank you for all those great messages. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. "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. Bye bye., Ferguson, who was not involved in the negotiations between Mandell and Hubbard, said: "I was surprised and disappointed when I heard the news, but I think it's important to be supportive when someone chooses to do something new in their life.". The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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. -. 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.. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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. She's seeking $10 million in damages. You have permission to edit this article. 0. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. 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.". Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. 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. 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. 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. 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. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. 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. 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. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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. 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. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. In a four-page ruling issued by the United District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Ronald A. Guzman granted Hubbard Radio Chicago petition to dismiss the suit brought by McGurren. 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. 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. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Honestly, let her not forget that. 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." Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. 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. 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 duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. OK, love you all. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. Thanks for reading! McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. 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. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. 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. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. By. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. 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 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. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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.. :). McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. 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. 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. 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. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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, 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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.. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022.
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