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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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. 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." 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. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX 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. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. 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. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 1 talking about this. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. 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. 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. 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. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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). 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. 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 love smooth jazz Christmas music. 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. Theres still some major concerns. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos Thanks, you guys. 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. 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. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. 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. 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. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. Audacy Announces Debut of New Morning Show on US99 in Chicago Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. oh and REINVENTION. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. Starting. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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 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. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed 13 talking about this. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. 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. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 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. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. 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. 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. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges 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 duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . oh and REINVENTION. 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. 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. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX Radio Ink. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. 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's seeking $10 million in damages. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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.