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. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. 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. Radio Ink. 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. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. Facebook gives people the. 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 . 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. 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. 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. 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. 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Thank you for all those great messages. 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.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." Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. -. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . The six-bedroom, eight-bath mansion on Elm Street sold May 29. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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 coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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. 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. 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.. 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 has excellent taste. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. 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. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. May 6, 2021. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. 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. :). She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. 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. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. McGurren spent most of . 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. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Fans have been worried. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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.. 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. 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. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. 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. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. 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. Last week U.S. District Court. 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. 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." In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. 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." 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.. 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. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. 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. McGurren had been with WTMX for 22 years serving as a traffic reporter until moving up to morning co-host following the departure of Kathy . 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 MCGURREN, who co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" during a 22-year stretch at the station, sued FERGUSON alleging a pattern of sexual misconduct. 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 . 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. 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. 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. 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? WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. 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. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. Right now, thats a fair assessment. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. 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. A status hearing in DeNicolos lawsuit against Ferguson is scheduled for Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. 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"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. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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 Chicago Tribune reports. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Honestly, let her not forget that. 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." Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. 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, 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. 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.
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