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." Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the 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 The former morning show co-host at Hubbard hot AC The Mix WTMX Chicago has withdrawn her appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed the suit. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 13 talking about this. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. McGurren said she quit the station in 2020 after years of complaining about Fergusons on- and off-air behavior, claims she said were ignored by station executives who sought to protect the popular host. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. 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. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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.. McGurren spent most of . She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. Thank you so much. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Thanks, you guys. 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. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. 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She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. She too was represented by Mandell. 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 is very proud of the young man her son is becoming, she loves that he is funny and helpful and that he is thoughtful. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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. 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.. 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Mom 1st. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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). 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. 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. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. 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. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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." The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. 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 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. 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. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. Jeff England, vice president and market manager at Hubbard Radio Chicago, was quoted as saying: Our plans for the future of Eric in the Morning definitely included Melissa. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. 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. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. 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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. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". -. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. 0. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. 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." 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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.. 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. 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. 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." Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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 . Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. She's seeking $10 million in damages. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. 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 . 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. 1 talking about this. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. 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. In her lawsuit against Ferguson, DeNicolo alleged that he blocked raises and promotions, then orchestrated her dismissal after she refused to resume a brief sexual relationship that occurred early in her career. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. :). She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 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. 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. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. 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. 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. After taking Ferguson off the air last October following a series of allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power by former female co-workers, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host last November. 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. "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. 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. Radio Ink. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Honestly, let her not forget that. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. 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. She is a mother. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. 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. We are heartened by the fact that now two federal courts and an arbitrator have ruled in Hubbards favor and have concluded that the claims brought by Ms. McGurren and Ms. DeNicolo against Hubbard lacked any legal merit, attorney Michael Roche, a partner at Winston & Strawn who represented Hubbard Radio Chicago in the litigation, said in an emailed statement. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . OK, love you all. "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. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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.
