While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. 1 talking about this. 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. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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. 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. 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. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. 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." Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. 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." 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.. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. May 6, 2021. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. How would you rate this article? Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. 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. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. Mom 1st. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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.". It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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.". 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. I really truly am. Tell us what's wrong with this post? She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. 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. 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. 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. :). 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. 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. 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. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. 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. 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 . 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. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. 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. 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. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Thank you so much. 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. 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''. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. 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. 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. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. 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. Hes part of Melissas morning show. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. 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. 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. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Radio Ink. Starting. 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 November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. 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 judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. You have permission to edit this article. oh and REINVENTION. McGurren, who worked for the WTMX-FM for 22 years, alleged in the suit that the station defamed her in choosing not to side with her in her complaints of sexual harassment by Ferguson. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. -. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Her new role will make them direct competitors. You have permission to edit this article. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. She's seeking $10 million in damages. Thanks, you guys. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. 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. 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. Facebook gives people the. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. 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 first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. 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. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Thanks for reading! OK, love you all. 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. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. 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. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. 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. "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.
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