While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. 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. 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. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. McGurren spent most of . Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. 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.". 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 . We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. 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). 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. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. Fans have been worried. "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. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. She has excellent taste. 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. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. "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. 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. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Mom 1st. 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? 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.. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. Honestly, let her not forget that. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric 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. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. 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. Sign the petition: action.bestfriends.org End Breed-Restrictive Insurance Practices in Illinois 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. By. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . 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. 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. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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. Rachel Williamson, regional president and market manager of Audacy Chicago, said the team of McGurren and Huff "will bring energy, positivity, chemistry, and a lot of fun to this fresh and dynamic local show to serve Chicagos country listeners. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. 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.". McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. 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 and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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. 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. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Starting. oh and REINVENTION. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. While not claiming that Ferguson abused her specifically, Ashrafi said the disgraced morning host was rude and dismissive to women., His abusive behavior is open and known by all at The Mix, she said. 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.. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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.. Thank you for all those great messages. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. 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. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the 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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 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 currently works as a host at the country station, US99. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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 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. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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.. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. Ashrafi, who was afternoon co-host and traffic reporter at WTMX using the on-air name Jennifer Roberts, is the fourth former female staff member to back claims against the station and Ferguson. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. 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. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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." The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Hes part of Melissas morning show. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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 She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. 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. Theres still some major concerns. 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. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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." "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. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. oh and REINVENTION. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. 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. Mom 1st. 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. 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. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . 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. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. 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 . Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Radio Ink. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. 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. 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." 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.
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