Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. 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. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. 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. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 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. Thank you for all those great messages. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. She's seeking $10 million in damages. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. 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. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Mom 1st. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner, Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80, 1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports, Dear Abby: When my husbands brother marries, I should be in the wedding, Jose Abreu on life with the Astros and leaving the White Sox, who werent a family in 2022, Founding fathers didnt own AR-15s or large capacity magazines, Pritzker and Raoul argue in defense of ban, Dear Abby: With boyfriends fussy father living here, I feel trapped, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and wife to invest $250 million in new Chicago research lab, Nazareth beats Lincoln to win Class 3A state title, Why Cubs Keegan Thompson made his 2023 spring-training debut a week after the opener, White Sox manager Pedro Grifol likes Andrew Benintendi in the 3-hole, Are the Bulls fixable this season? 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. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Thank you so much. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. 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. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. We wish her the best.. 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). US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois She has excellent taste. 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. 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. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. 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. 1 talking about this. 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. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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.". Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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, 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. How could we improve it? 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. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Radio Ink. Fans have been worried. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Thanks for reading! Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. 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. 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. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. Facebook gives people the. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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 claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. 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 . 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 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. Cheryl Corley, Greg Kot win Headline Club Lifetime Achievement Awards, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. 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. Theres still some major concerns. 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. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. A federal judge this week dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by a former co-host of one of Chicagos top morning drive radio shows over alleged harassment by star Eric Ferguson. 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. 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 alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. 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 currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. 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." While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. 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. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. She is a mother. McGurren spent most of . 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 Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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? 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.. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. Starting. 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. Mom 1st. 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.. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Her new role will make them direct competitors. NAB Asks FCC to Complete 2018 Quadrennial Review, Laden Joins WABC/New York as News Director and Host, Audacy Launches ''Front Range Country 103.1'' in Denver, WPZS (Praise 100.9)/Charlotte Ups Melanie Pratt to APD, iHeartMedia's Podcast Platform Spreaker is Now Free, KINK-FM/Portland Adds ''The Greg Beharrell Show''. 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. oh and REINVENTION. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. I really truly am. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. 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. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. 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. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. 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. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. By. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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. 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. 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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. -. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time.
Funny Ways To Say I Didn't Ask,
Walther Ppq Q5 Match Sf Accessories,
Redding Mugshots 2021,
Lord David Frost Wife,
Articles M