US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. 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. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. Honestly, let her not forget that. The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. She has excellent taste. 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.. 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. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Thanks, you guys. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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.. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. After being missing from "Eric In The Morning" for the past several weeks, Hubbard Hot AC "101.9 The Mix" WTMX Skokie/Chicago has revealed that co-host Melissa McGurren is departing the station after declining a contract extension offered to her. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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''. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 13 talking about this. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. In the midst of her absence, some of her fans have even taken the time to post on social media that the show is no longer any good without her. How would you rate this article? Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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. 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 . (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. You have permission to edit this article. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. 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. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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.. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. 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.". We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Theres still some major concerns. 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. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. -. 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. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 0. How could we improve it? It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Thanks for reading! Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. 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 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. She too was represented by Mandell. 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. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. 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 finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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." Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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 . The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. 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 court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. 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. 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.. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 1 talking about this. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. 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. 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. 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. 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. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. 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, 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. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Thank you so much. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. She is a mother. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last 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. 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 connection with sexual harassment allegations against her former co-host on The Mix, Eric Ferguson. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. "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. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. 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. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. She is such a proud mom. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. McGurren spent most of . She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. May 6, 2021. 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." oh and REINVENTION. 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. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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 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. 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?