McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Mom 1st. Tell us what's wrong with this post? "We're incredibly excited to be growing . Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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. 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 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 . His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. 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. Thanks for reading! 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. 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. How could we improve it? 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. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. 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. "A thorough investigation would have uncovered that Jennifer Ashrafi brought many of these same issues, that corroborate Melissa's 'characterization of events,' to England in January, 2020, months before Melissa filed her charge" with the EEOC. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. 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.". (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. While she does not address the actual reason for her disappearance, she does make it clear that she and her family are all healthy and shes hopeful everyone stays that way. 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 Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. 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. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. She's seeking $10 million in damages. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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." 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. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. Honestly, let her not forget that. 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. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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." They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. You have permission to edit this article. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Radio Ink. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case 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. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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. 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.. 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Mom 1st. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. OK, love you all. 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. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. 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. 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? oh and REINVENTION. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. 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. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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." 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter 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. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country 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. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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 judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes.