McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. 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. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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." Fans have been worried. 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. Last week U.S. District Court. You have permission to edit this article. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. She too was represented by Mandell. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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. How could we improve it? She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. oh and REINVENTION. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. 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. She is such a proud mom. 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." 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. 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. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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 . Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. I really truly am. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. McGurren spent most of . McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). By. 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. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 0. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 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. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Starting. 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. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. 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. PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 6, 2021 - 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. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. 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.". All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. 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. 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. May 6, 2021. 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. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . 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. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. 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. 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's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. 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. 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.. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. 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. 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. Mom 1st. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. Thank you so much. 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. 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. 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. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. 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 the latest Nielsen Audio survey, US99 tied for 15th in mornings with a 2.0 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 250,800. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. 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. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. 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. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. 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.. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. 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. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. 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."
Elizabeth Guevara Don Ho,
Articles M