Hes part of Melissas morning show. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. 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. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch, Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson. "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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. Melissa McGurren - Facebook "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. :). Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. 1 talking about this. Mom 1st. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. 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. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Former WTMX staffer sues 'Eric in the Morning' host - NewsBreak Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. 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. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . 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." Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. 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''. Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com 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 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. 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. Thanks, you guys. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. 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. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. oh and REINVENTION. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. "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. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. 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.". 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." Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 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. 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. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. 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. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Theres still some major concerns. Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook 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. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . 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. 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. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 13 talking about this. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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. Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. 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. 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. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. 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."