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's seeking $10 million in damages. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. 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. Theres still some major concerns. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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. Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 "We're incredibly excited to be growing . The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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. 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. 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. 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 (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Starting. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. In the court filings made public Tuesday, McGurren said that during her 22-year career at The Mix she rose from traffic reporter to show co-host with Ferguson and Brian "Whip" Paruch, who she. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. 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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. 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. 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''. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. She too was represented by Mandell. 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. 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. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. May 6, 2021. 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Tell us what's wrong with this post? View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Radio host sells Hinsdale home for less than he paid - Crain's Chicago She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. The dismissal of Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago doesn't mean the end of legal problems for Eric Ferguson or the parent company of hot adult . 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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. 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. 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. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. 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. 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 . Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. 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. Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. 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. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. 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. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. By. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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." Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. "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. 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 . Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against 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. Her writing has allowed her to visit NYC for Fashion Week events since 2015, and she's worked with clients in almost every field, from dentistry to law and family to entertainment. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Mom 1st. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 0. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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 co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" during a 22-year stretch at the station, sued FERGUSON alleging a pattern of sexual misconduct. 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. 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. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Melissa McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson's top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Rachel Williamson, regional president and market manager of Audacy Chicago, said the team of McGurren and Huff "will bring energy, positivity, chemistry, and a lot of fun to this fresh and dynamic local show to serve Chicagos country listeners. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. 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. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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.. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. oh and REINVENTION. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. OK, love you all. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 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? McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. 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." 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. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. 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. 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