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. 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. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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.. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. 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. 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. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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. 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. When he stepped down after 25 years at the station, Ferguson said in a statement that he was energized to move forward and defend myself against claims made against me and the station.. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Thanks for reading! It sounds to us like shes your every day proud mom, but let us not forget he is so many of these things because of who she is. 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. 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. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. 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. 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. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Her new role will make them direct competitors. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. She described him as a serial abuser of women and said management failed to respond and then forced her out when she demanded that the alleged harassment stop. I really truly am. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. 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. McGurren had argued that when the station owner made its statement, it knew that Ferguson was a serial abuser of women and that Hubbard knowingly published false information when it said it did not agree with her characterization of events. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. How would you rate this article? 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." We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. :). Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. 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, Robert Feder writes. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. By. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. She too was represented by Mandell. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. 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. 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. 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. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. You have permission to edit this article. She is a mother. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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." In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. 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 . Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. OK, love you all. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. 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. 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. 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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 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. 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. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. 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She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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, who worked for 22 years at the station, filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago, claiming the company did not perform an investigation or conducted a sham investigation of her earlier allegations and that Hubbard attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to staff last week, the Chicago Tribune reports. 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. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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 . "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. oh and REINVENTION. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. 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." Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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). You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 1 talking about this. 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. 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. 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. We wish her the best.. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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. 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 Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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.
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