Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. 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. No One Injured When Amtrak Engine Runs Off Chicago Union Station Track, Chicago School Mom Uses Pepper Spray To Start Classroom Fight: Police, Senior Prank Gone Wrong In Niles + Chicago Cabaret Week Returns. I just subscribed to Racket News. Left in the dark, many fans took to social media to find answers. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. In complaints made public Tuesday in court filings, McGurren alleged Ferguson subjected her to an unbearable hostile work environment and that the management of WTMX-FM 101.9 did nothing about it for years. 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 said was paid about the same amount as she was, even though Paruch had nearly 10 years less experience. McGurren, you'll recall, was co-host of Ferguson's morning show when she left in 2020 after 22 years at The Mix. 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.McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new . The couple, who have two teenage daughters together, have been married since 2005. From dance and food festivals to concerts and parades, Latino Chicagoans have much to look forward to this summer. Solk did not respond to a Tribune request for comment through entertainment company Audacy, where he is now vice president of programming and operations for its Chicago market. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 4) CSNChicago.com: If you could be one celebrity for one week, who would it be and why? There's no doubt you've attained a solid fan base over the years thanks in part to your great sense of humor and ability to put your male counterparts in their place if needed! 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. She has a son by the name of Porter, and she does share a little about him on her Instagram page from time to time. Was/is that particular aspect of your job difficult for you or do you feel that it is just an absolute requirement in order to further connect to your audience? After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. (Michael Walker/for the Chicago Tribune). document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), The Gazette Review is your daily news source covering everything from world news to personal finance. New Tradition Chorus "Blast From the Past" with songs of '70s and '80s. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). I will say Ive been trying to figure out the best way to handle it, but that statement was not accurate. When the popularity of the Eric and Kathy Show increased, so did the information about our personal lives. Christy Gutowski and Tracy Swartz of the Chicago Tribune first reported on DeNicolossuit against Ferguson in September and have continued to advance the story. Soon afterward, it was revealed that she had actually been fired from the program by the station itself, The Mix. Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? She also described a pattern of abuse against women at the station by Ferguson. Understandably, the whole situation would have been stressful and frustrating for the former co-host. ", In court documents made public Tuesday, McGurren said Ferguson abused his power in the workplace and made the station a "hostile" place to work, calling him a "serial abuser of women." The arbitration document states Ferguson also called her stupid and lazy. When she would complain to Ferguson, it alleges, he ignored McGurren and would do this by raising his hand in front of her face to shush her as Ferguson described this gesture or by yelling at McGurren that (in words or substance) she did not know what she was talking about.. I actually feel like I'm friends with them as much as they are with me.<\/p>\n
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3) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> You've stated that you don't know that much about sports not sure if I can believe that. 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. Are you 60 or older? 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. Plus -- I'm looking for a charity that I can really be involved in that deals with animals. Contact us: [emailprotected]. As McGurrens claims began to generate media coverage earlier this month, Hubbard Radio sent a note to employees of The Mix stating the company had thoroughlyinvestigated this matter previously. For those whod like to keep up with Kathy, shes relatively active on Twitter at @KathyHartCgo (she had changed her handle from @KathyTheMix after the incident). Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. At the age of 8, Melissa was already writing and creating radio shows on cassette tapes to play for her mom. ", McGurren became the third woman to accuse Ferguson following former producer Cynthia DeNicolo and former sales employee Kristen Mori, who said Ferguson groped her at a holiday party and station management "turned a blind eye. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. All kidding aside, who knows what path the future holds, but when something \"feels right\", I just go with it. "Eric & Kathy," dubbed . They weren't around very long. Mom 1st. I did a different show (for a short time). 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 . McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. What had led her to be let go from the radio show? "Im energized to move forward and defend myself against claims made against me and the station, and look forward to seeing them through to their conclusion," Ferguson said at the time. Melissa started her radio career in the Hoosier State in Hammond and Merrillville before becoming the sidekick/traffic reporter at THE MIX. By the time summer rolled around, fans had begun to wonder whether or not she was let go. (Todd Rosenberg Photography). She is such a proud mom. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. He repeatedly threatened she would lose her job, including once if she did not move from the suburbs into the city and another time when she did not attend a station Christmas party that conflicted with her sons ninth birthday, according to the document. The shows popularity seems limitless right now. The EEOC granted McGurren the right to sue, but as part of her employment agreement with Hubbard she had agreed to first try to settle disputes and claims through arbitration. Robservations: WGN Radio jumping the gun on turning 100; ABC 7's Judy Hsu, Ryan Chiaverini host Irish parade; Adam Hoge joins CHGO Sports, 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. McGurren has sought treatment through therapy as a result.. 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. Kachinske, who departed WTMX in 2018, allegedly admitted she wanted Ferguson to behave appropriately and professionally but stated on numerous occasions that nothing could be done because of Fergusons importance to the station, according to the complaint. Actually, I loved those guys but you probably don't remember. The baby is due in May. Study opportunity available! Freelance writer who loves dogs and anything related to Japanese culture. I'm ok.. 56K views, 599 likes, 402 loves, 677 comments, 33 shares: 56K views, 599 likes, 402 loves, 677 comments, 33 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Melissa McGurren:. To this day, however, no official explanation has been given regarding her leave. Radio host Eric Ferguson and former WTMX assistant producer Cynthia Skolak, now Cynthia DeNicolo, at the station's studio in August 2004. Mar 21. Her successor, Melissa McGurren, left without giving a reason in December 2020. According to Feder, Vice President of Hubbard Radio Chicago Jeff England alerted employees to more allegations in a company message, saying directors were initiating "multiple investigations. ANY Frank Sinatra song is fantastic! Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Ultimately, it was after she moved to Rockford that she had gotten into radio. Also, I'd have to go with Foo Fighters -- I may not always be in the mood for them, but when I am look out! 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. A surprise to everyone, it was announced that Kathy had been fired from Eric & Kathy by The Mix radio station. 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. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. I get why people love sports. And we are confident of our client's underlying claims against Hubbard and look forward to our hearing in arbitration.". This year, organizers expect that number to be surpassed. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, US99 tied for 15th in mornings with a 2.0 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 250,800. Free Professional Website Design & SEO for Veteran-Owned Businesses, Serve Your Community in a Uniformed Service. According to the station's website, the show's key demographic is listeners between the ages of 25 and 54 years old. The weekend also brought polite responses declining to comment from Ferguson and England. I love hosting them, I love the people that come and it's just "a good ol' time." To their dismay, however, he was unable to make any comments about the situation as Hubbard had requested for them not to do so. This weeks guest a standout cast member of the enormously popular Eric and Kathy Show on 101.9 FM THE MIX shes a Northwest Indiana native whose love of media and personal drive to make it in the crazy world of radio broadcasting landed her at just about the best place one can hope to be at in the biz plus, she's pretty damn funny too here are 5 Questions with MELISSA McGURREN! BIO: Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. She apologized for her absence from the show and assured fans that her family is healthy in a video posted to social media Dec. 3. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM,. People share their stories with me. 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-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM.. McGurren, you'll recall, was co-host of Ferguson's morning show when she left in 2020 after 22 years at The Mix. 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? What has Kathy been up to since then? Eric Ferguson, from left, Melissa McGurren and Kathy Hart work on "Eric & Kathy" on Nov. 11, 2009. CHICAGO - A third woman accused popular Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior in court documents filed Tuesday. I love my job, I love radio and I can't imagine not being on the air. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. I don't want to donate money (I already do that). CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> Anything you'd like to promote Melissa? Thanks for reading! The station eventually removed the video from social media after the post generated a negative reaction from the morning shows fans.. There are at least 11 that I would pick, but if I can only pick one Chelsea Handler. In her only public comment at the time, McGurren said on social media the truth will come out. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Melissa McGurren, Critics Don't Love Melissa McCarthy's New Show With Husband Ben Falcone, 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa Lingafelt, Five Things You Didnt Know about Johnathon Schaech, Avatar 3 Will Introduce a New Type of Navi, Cool Photo of Alan Rickman In High School in London, 1964, 20 Things You Didnt Know About Meek Mill, Five Things You didnt Know about Alyson Tabbitha, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Cailee Spaeny, Tom Cruise Doesnt Want Anyone To Run With Him On Screen, Young and the Restless Most Memorable Moments of 2019, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Siobhan McSweeney, What We Learned From The Trailer for COPSHOP, Five Movies Coming Out in 2021 That We Cant Wait To See. Melissa McGurren After more. She consistently strives to be the best Melissa she can be and says there is always more to learn through new experiences in life. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on Good Day Chicago last September. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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. Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson (Photo: 101.9 The Mix Chicago). How could we improve it? Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. She also claimed Ferguson engineered her dismissal. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. 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. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. McGurrens harassment claims became public in recent weeks when they were included in a separate defamation lawsuit filed against Hubbard by another former female co-host, Cynthia DeNicolo. This marks the second co-host to exit Eric Ferguson's morning show in recent years, after the departure of Kathy Hart in 2017. 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 . Tell us what's wrong with this post? Ive always wanted to work at the Mix, and this is not how I saw things coming, so here I sit. (WTMX radio). I don't know much about sports. I think my future is radio. Un reporte que destacaba el impacto econmico de Sueos Music Festival concluy que se haban creado ms de 900 puestos de trabajo gracias al evento de dos das de duracin. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. Un reporte que destacaba el impacto econmico de Sueos Music Festival concluy que se haban creado ms de 900 puestos de trabajo gracias al evento de dos das de duracin. When Melissa McGurren left her job co-hosting Eric Ferguson's popular morning radio show in December, she said "the truth will come out" about her unexplained departure from the station known. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. All kidding aside, who knows what path the future holds, but when something "feels right", I just go with it. From there, she would go on to co-host WTMXs Eric & Kathy with Eric Ferguson in 1996. We provide the most recent, unbiased accounts of the news that matters to you. I want to be involved in the creative solutions to stop animal cruelty. So boys, don't just jump to conclusions on the ladies. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. In the end, it was announced that the morning show would be continuing under a different nameEric in the Morning with Melissa & Whip. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events, but we are committed to following the appropriate process and not litigating this matter in the public or the press.". A federal judge has dismissed Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit against her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, whom she alleged falsely branded her a liar while responding to her . Simple question: do you ever get nervous when an athlete is on the show in fear of your self-proclaimed lack of sports knowledge? Are you 60 or older? Can I add a fourth? Besides allegations of a hostile work environment, defamation and infliction of emotional distress, McGurren contended she was intentionally paid less than men in similar or comparable positions., Attorneys for Ferguson did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. 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. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning show job at WTMX 101.9-FM. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. ", EARLIER: 'Eric In The Morning' Host Coerced Sexual Favors: Ex-WTMX Staffer. Ive always wanted to work at the Mix, and this is not how I saw things coming. She recently landed a job as a morning show co-host at the Audacy station WUSN-FM 99.5. As far as being nervous when pro athletes come in, nahnot really. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. Experienced a TBI? Can I add a fourth? Ferguson's former co-host Kathy Hart was reportedly fired from the show after 21 years 2017. :), Melissa McCarthy may be a popular name in comedic movie roles, where she is often, Melissa McCarthy is a national treasure. Chris Petlak, who co-hosted afternoons on The Mix, was named in January to succeed Ferguson as morning host alongside regular contributors Nikki Chuminatto, Brian Paruch and Violeta Podrumedic and executive producer John Swanson. The station was aware of the connections before Kluth and McAdams started, Idler added. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. McGurren provided several examples of Fergusons alleged harassment in the arbitration document. Those comments were an attempt to paint McGurren in a false light, she alleged in a document related to the arbitration process, and were made with the intent of continuing to cover-up Fergusons serial harassment and the stations tacit approval of the alleged conduct. Experienced a TBI? No One Injured When Amtrak Engine Runs Off Chicago Union Station Track, Chicago School Mom Uses Pepper Spray To Start Classroom Fight: Police, Senior Prank Gone Wrong In Niles + Chicago Cabaret Week Returns. 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.. oh and REINVENTION. Her EEOC complaint also said Ferguson would frequently and inappropriately touch many younger female employees, or sometimes younger female listeners, at company events in Chicago or abroad in Mexico during company retreats., McGurren said she frequently complained to management about Fergusons terrible behavior. According to a Nov. 24, 2020, email included as part of an exhibit in the amended lawsuit, she wrote to human resources: Ive been mentally and verbally abused, harassed, put into tears, yelled at, belittled, ignored, mocked and my job has been threatened multiple times., [Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix radio], McGurrens EEOC complaint alleges the station placed her on a short leave around Thanksgiving 2020, claiming it would investigate her complaints about Ferguson, but instead used the time to begin the process of rebranding to remove my name from the show.. Desde festivales de danza y gastronoma hasta conciertos y desfiles, los latinos de Chicago tienen mucho que esperar este verano. An attorney for Hubbard Radio Chicago didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment. I succumbed to his pressure, and because of the social media post, I received many unwanted sexual comments from men on social media.. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp, for example, regularly appears on the show as do other athletes from time to time. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Ferguson then forced McGurren to walk to her car, turn around, and walk back to the station so she could start her day over again., The document continued: Ferguson ordered the Mixs social media team to film McGurren while she was making this walk of shame, and to post the video to social media. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. McGurrens abrupt departure from the airwaves stunned her fans. 123 talking about this. Solk, like Kachinske, did nothing in response to the complaints, McGurren wrote in the EEOC complaint. Former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren can't try again to sue her former employer, Hubbard Radio, for defamation, as a Chicago federal judge again found an executive at radio station WTMX did not claim McGurren lied under oath when he said the company did "not agree with Melissa's characterization of events" surrounding her claims of workplace harassment against her former on-air . McGurren alleged Fergusons comments often were gender based, such as harassing her when she used the bathroom at work or accusing her of having hot flashes in a demeaning and condescending tone., The EEOC complaint states Ferguson coerced McGurren in April 2011 into wearing a bikini and getting a spray tan at work a video of which was posted on social media. Also, I'd have to go with Foo Fighters -- I may not always be in the mood for them, but when I am look out! Fergusons conduct this day humiliated McGurren, as Ferguson intended. The new love of her life is her son Porter, who was born in December 2010. Though he ultimately did not reveal much, he did divulge that the situation had the potential to be really difficult. With that said, he was happy to know that it had turned into an unbelievably positive experience.. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. Lifestyle and caller-driven, the morning show not only featured interviews with celebrity guests, but it also included in-studio musical performances, conversations with listeners, discussions of relationships and life decisions, and more. Do tell. racket.news. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she wrote, she worked in a space with a window separating her from Ferguson, because of her asthma and other medical issues. We get hundreds of people coming. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. On Tuesday, former. "Eric & Kathy," dubbed the "most successful morning team in Chicago radio history," had been on the air since 1996 and were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Ok, so that's super cheesy,\" she says, but it's completely true.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> Melissa, first off, congrats to you and your fellow cast of characters on the massive success of the Eric and Kathy Show. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. His conduct rose to such a level to render her place of work unbearable, forcing her to leave a job she loved and excelled in, the arbitration document said. Plus -- I'm looking for a charity that I can really be involved in that deals with animals.
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