You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Another lawsuit filed in connection to harassment claims against radio Friday's comment of the day: Linda Shafran: Deloris MeBain was a sparkling light at NBC Tower. Freelance writer who loves dogs and anything related to Japanese culture. 4) CSNChicago.com: If you could be one celebrity for one week, who would it be and why? Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and in later court filings, McGurren said Ferguson subjected her to an unbearable hostile work environment with the knowledge of their bosses. On Dec. 3, according to McGurrens complaint, her attorney told the station she would not return to the show without assurances the alleged harassment would stop. Christy Gutowski and Tracy Swartz of the Chicago Tribune first reported on DeNicolossuit against Ferguson in September and have continued to advance the story. 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. Besides, David Grohl is dreamy. The former couple sold their Hinsdale home for less than they paid for it in 2020. off the air until at least the end of October, 'Eric In The Morning' Host Coerced Sexual Favors: Ex-WTMX Staffer, Melissa McGurren, left without giving a reason, most successful morning team in Chicago radio history. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Experienced a TBI? 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. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter Last fall, fans were shocked to learn that Kathy Hart had been let go from her radio show, Eric & Kathy (interestingly enough, the co-host had been absent from the program for more than four months at the time). 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 . racket.news. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. In response, Jeff England, vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, sent an email to staff published here that read in part: "This is not a new development, and weve thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Simple question: do you ever get nervous when an athlete is on the show in fear of your self-proclaimed lack of sports knowledge? McGurren: When I first started, I didn't mind talking about some aspects of my life. 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. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. McGurren, 51, did not return a Tribune request for comment, and she did not elaborate on the truth in the video she made after the station issued its statement. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. -. They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 5 Questions with Melissa McGurren - NBC Sports RSN Solk, like Kachinske, did nothing in response to the complaints, McGurren wrote in the EEOC complaint. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. According to the station's website, the show's key demographic is listeners between the ages of 25 and 54 years old. Jennifer Aguilar, who was born and raised in La Villita, takes the helm of the local chamber of commerce, which not only advocates for businesses but runs the Mexican Independence Day parade. The new love of her life is her son Porter, who was born in December 2010. By. I want to do more than that. Last fall, fans were shocked to learn that Kathy Hart had been let go from her radio show, What has Kathy been up to since? An attorney for Hubbard Radio Chicago didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Rick Springfield to perform at RiverEdge Park in Aurora as part of I Want My 80s tour, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. She is a mother. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. She has excellent taste. Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? Nearly a year later, a newly amended lawsuit describes for the first time how Ferguson allegedly made McGurrens work intolerable, causing her to leave a job she loved. I love hosting them, I love the people that come and it's just "a good ol' time." Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp, for example, regularly appears on the show as do other athletes from time to time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. The announcement, made Thursday, comes months after McGurren mysteriously left her morning show job at WTMX 101.9-FM. Ferguson will be off the air through October, according to an email England sent Tuesday to employees that was obtained by the Tribune. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. The amended defamation suit against Hubbard includes details of McGurrens ongoing efforts to seek compensation through the EEOC complaint and an arbitration process. With that, individuals began to speculate the reasoning behind her departure. I will say Ive been trying to figure out the best way to handle it, but that statement was not accurate. 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.". 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. Right now, the Eric and Kathy Show \"feels right.\"<\/p>\n
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2) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> Being a public figure as a radio personality naturally opens up your personal life to your listeners (i.e. Click to read Racket News, a Substack publication with hundreds of thousands of readers. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. 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 a court filing included with that defamation suit, a former WTMX sales employee alleged Ferguson groped her at a station Christmas party in full view of her husband and co-workers in 2003. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Do tell. Attorneys for Ferguson have denied DeNicolos allegations and filed a motion to dismiss her lawsuit. I want to bust the bad guys!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n McGurren LINKS:<\/strong><\/p>\n Official WTMX Eric and Kathy Show home page<\/p>\n Melissa McGurren on Faceboo<\/p>\n", mps => {"author":"Jeff Nuich","league":"","sport":"","sponsor":""}, chrome_data => "{\"league\":\"\",\"sport\":\"\",\"sponsor\":\"\"}", image => {"uri":"public:\/\/archive\/assets_article\/chicago\/2012\/02\/22\/678794.jpg","alt":"678794.jpg","title":"5 Questions with Melissa McGurren"}, fb_url => "https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dialog\/share?app_id=330072974228200&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2F5-questions-melissa-mcgurren&display=popup", tw_url => "https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=5%20Questions%20with%20%20Melissa%20McGurren&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2F5-questions-melissa-mcgurren&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2F5-questions-melissa-mcgurren", mailto => "mailto:?subject=5%20Questions%20with%20%20Melissa%20McGurren&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2F5-questions-melissa-mcgurren", meta => {"file":"\/mnt\/gfs\/rsnunited\/sites\/default\/files\/archive\/article\/chicago\/5-questions-melissa-mcgurren.json","assets":["public:\/\/archive\/assets_article\/chicago\/2012\/02\/22\/678794.jpg"]}, orig_image => {"uri":"public:\/\/2016\/04\/11\/678794.jpg","alt":"678794.jpg","title":"5 Questions with Melissa McGurren"}. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. McGurren filed her EEOC complaint months later, in December 2020. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Instagram photos and videos BIO: Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. She also described a pattern of abuse against women at the station by Ferguson. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. In her EEOC complaint, McGurren said the discrimination against her dates to 2005 and she complained dozens of times from 2010 to 2018 to Mary Ellen Kachinske, the stations program director at the time. Ferguson's former co-host Kathy Hart was reportedly fired from the show after 21 years 2017. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed I actually feel like I'm friends with them as much as they are with me.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> You've stated that you don't know that much about sports not sure if I can believe that. A report that highlighted the economic impact of Sueos Music Festival found that more than 900 jobs were created thanks to the two-day event. 0. That statement, along with other allegations of misconduct, was included in DeNicolos lawsuit filed in May. DeNicolo, who was an associate producer on the morning show for 20 years before she was laid off in 2020, accused Ferguson in a lawsuit of coercing her into performing unwelcome sexual acts in 2004. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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 love hosting them, I love the people that come and it's just \"a good ol' time.\" Listen on the show for upcoming events starting soon! I want to be involved in the creative solutions to stop animal cruelty. 'Such a mess': Former employee at 'The Mix' speaks out amid Eric 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. A wonderful woman. At the time, she also said the statement put out by The Mix regarding her departure was "not accurate. 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. Are you 60 or older? In the end, it wasnt until she moved back home to Chicago a few years later, that she was hired at The Mix. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on Good Day Chicago last September. 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." Free Learn for Life Webinar: Entrepreneurship Fundamentals. How Many Wives Has Mel Gibson Had? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. A report that highlighted the economic impact of Sueos Music Festival found that more than 900 jobs were created thanks to the two-day event. 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! Equal Employment Opportunity . Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. McGurrens suit claims the false statements against her by Hubbard were made so the company could continue to keep a serial sexual abuser employed and profit from Fergusons show Eric in the Morning at the expense of Melissa and all other women whom Ferguson has abused and exploited.. Actress: The Young and the Restless. Ferguson emphatically denies the existence of a sexual relationship with DeNicolo as well as engaging in the other conduct alleged in the complaint, his lawyers said in their motion. Melissa McCarthys, Many people are familiar with actor Drake Bell. The couple, who have two teenage daughters together, have been married since 2005. Has she returned to the radio? I love my job, I love radio and I can't imagine not being on the air. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. ", Earlier, Hubbard Broadcasting released a statement that said internal and external investigations "found no evidence to corroborate allegations of illegal workplace conduct.". 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. To this day, however, no official explanation has been given regarding her leave. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. 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. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. When the popularity of the Eric and Kathy Show increased, so did the information about our personal lives. Track is another story. :), Melissa McCarthy may be a popular name in comedic movie roles, where she is often, Melissa McCarthy is a national treasure. 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. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind There's something appealing about a song that speaks to a lot of women who aren't ready to settle down and want to have fun instead of the stereotype a woman that just wants to find a man and have babies. The pair had seven children together during their long marriage, and Gibson added to the family in a new relationship shortly after he separated from his wife. "Eric & Kathy," dubbed . Kachinske, now with Cumulus Media in New England, also did not respond to a request for comment. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Mom 1st. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX They cannot lie their way out of this problem. Besides, David Grohl is dreamy. Melissa Morgan Squire. 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 co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Yeah that's right. This was when I was on another morning show. Moreover, the email does not discuss any particular factual allegations, and the Court disagrees with Plaintiffs position that by referring generally to Plaintiffs EEOC Charge in his email, England was specifically incorporating Plaintiffs numerous factual allegations and branding Plaintiff a liar as to each.. I love my job, I love radio and I can't imagine not being on the air. 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.. I want to do more than that. When Melissa McGurren left her job co-hosting Eric Fergusons popular morning radio show in December, she said the truth will come out about her unexplained departure from the station known as The Mix. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. (Todd Rosenberg Photography). Details of McGurrens allegations emerged in an amended defamation lawsuit that another former WTMX employee, Cynthia DeNicolo, filed last week against the owner of the station, Hubbard Radio Chicago. Melissa McGurren Retweeted. If the show ever ends (let's say, 30 years from now), I'll probably just retire. Robservations: ABC 7 newsroom has family ties to three politicians 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:. Free Professional Website Design & SEO for Veteran-Owned Businesses, Serve Your Community in a Uniformed Service. Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM, worked at the Hubbard Radio Chicago station thats more popularly known as The Mix for more than two decades before leaving in 2020. As the aforementioned primary sidekick to E & K, do you have any aspirations to one day soon have your own radio show? One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. \"With a twinkle in his eye, he stole my heart. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. Work sent out a statement today, and its been not the most easy thing to deal with seeing that, an emotional McGurren said in a video posted to social media Wednesday night. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, mornings on The Mix tied for fifth place overall with a 4.5 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 339,200. From there, individuals turned their attention to Steve Mandell, Kathys agent. Following the statement, it was made known that the morning show would be continuing in its original format with Eric Ferguson, Melissa McGurren, Cynthia DeNicolo, Brian Paruch, and John Swanson. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. McGurren was offered a contract extension, which much to our surprise she declined, the station said in a statement Wednesday. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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! The suit states the woman, who was around 25 when she began working at The Mix, was pressured to give Ferguson oral sex twice a month and babysit his children for almost a decade. I know I worry too much about saying the wrong thing to people or hurting their feelings. I did a different show (for a short time). McGurren: Just one? 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 . This is bizarre., Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. And I just think that the most important thing is the truth, and hopefully not hopefully the truth will come out. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. "Eric in the Morning" host Eric Ferguson, center, stands with former co-host Melissa McGurren, left, and Brian Whip Paruch. Tell us CSNChicago.com readers want to hear about it! Jennifer Aguilar, who was born and raised in La Villita, takes the helm of the local chamber of commerce, which not only advocates for businesses but runs the Mexican Independence Day parade. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for abusive. Subscribe to Racket News. 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. Simple question: do you ever get nervous when an athlete is on the show in fear of your self-proclaimed lack of sports knowledge?<\/p>\n McGurren:<\/strong> Well you can believe it.