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. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Tell us what's wrong with this post? 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. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. 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''. 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. 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. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Thanks, you guys. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. Melissa McGurren - Facebook By. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. 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. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit She too was represented by Mandell. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges 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, 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. 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. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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.". 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. May 6, 2021. 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. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." Honestly, let her not forget that. "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. Thank you for all those great messages. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. You have permission to edit this article. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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 claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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 . In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges 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 . McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country 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. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Starting. How would you rate this article? Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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? 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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.. 0. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed Hubbard Radio Wants Court To Dismiss Defamation Suits From Eric 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. 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. 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. 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. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit - Yahoo! McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. We wish her the best.. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. "I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. 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. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. 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.. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. 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 . His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . Facebook gives people the. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 1 talking about this. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. But we also owe it to ourselves and our listeners to have a deliberate and thoughtful process about our path forward, and candidly we are not there yet.. Mom 1st. 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. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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." He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren 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. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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. Radio Ink. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 She is such a proud mom. 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. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. oh and REINVENTION. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos Theres still some major concerns. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. 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. OK, love you all. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment.