WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. 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 duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. 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 . The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. 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. 13 talking about this. 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. 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. Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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''. 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. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Owner of 'The Mix' didn't defame former assistant who accused host Eric We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 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. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed Thanks for reading! 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. 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. 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. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. McGurren, who claimed the company defamed her when it responded to her harassment charges against former Mix co-host Eric Ferguson, filed an amended appeal July 29 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh District. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. McGurren spent most of . Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. "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. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. 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 wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team," McGurren said in a statement. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. Right now, thats a fair assessment. 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.. 1 talking about this. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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." She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. Melissa McGurren - Facebook 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). The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. 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. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. -. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. 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. 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." 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. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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.. oh and REINVENTION. 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show - Radio Ink She's seeking $10 million in damages. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. Tell us what's wrong with this post? 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. How would you rate this article? 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. She is such a proud mom. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Fans have been worried. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Dismissal of Melissa McGurren's defamation suit doesn't end legal 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.". She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. We wish her the best.. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. 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. 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. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. 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. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. You have permission to edit this article. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Coldwell Banker Eric Ferguson, the longtime morning show host on WTMX-FM/101.9, sold his Hinsdale mansion for less than he paid for it. 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. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Facebook gives people the. 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. 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. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. 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. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. 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. 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. She too was represented by Mandell. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. She is a mother. 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. 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. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. 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.