Cheryl Corley, Greg Kot win Headline Club Lifetime Achievement Awards, 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. It acknowledges the existence of plaintiffs pending EEOC claim, does not discuss particular facts, and simply indicates that the station has conducted its own investigations and does not agree with Plaintiffs characterization of events a classic statement of opinion.. As far as we know, she has not returned to radio since then. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>, CSN Chicago Senior Director of CommunicationsCSNChicago.com Contributor. Actually, I loved those guys but you probably don't remember. That helps Grayslake Central soccer. I cant even believe this, I am where I am right now. 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. McGurren: Ok, first up, give me some old Dixie Chicks and I'm pretty much in heaven. 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. 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. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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! Freelance writer who loves dogs and anything related to Japanese culture. People share their stories with me. 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. the trials and tribulations of motherhood, relationships, etc.). Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. If anything, things have been rather quiet over the past few months. We will hold them accountable, said McGurrens attorney Carmen Caruso. 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. Are you 60 or older? McGurren wrote that Ferguson knew she complained to management and this caused his alleged harassment to escalate. FILE - Melissa McCarthy appears at the world premiere of "The Kitchen" on Aug. 5, 2019, in Los Angeles. McGurren is the third female former employee of The Mix to come forward to say Ferguson engaged in inappropriate conduct. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. In the end, it was announced that the morning show would be continuing under a different nameEric in the Morning with Melissa & Whip. All kidding aside, who knows what path the future holds, but when something "feels right", I just go with it. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. 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? "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. 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. In the end, it wasnt until a few months later that an official announcement was made. 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. I definitely know more now that we talk about it on the show, but I don't really follow it. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. I want to do more than that. McGurren left her job because she could no longer stand Fergusons harassment and managements refusal to do anything aboutit, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp, for example, regularly appears on the show as do other athletes from time to time. To this day, however, no official explanation has been given regarding her leave. CSNChicago.com has your fix as we put the city's most popular personalities on the spot with everyone's favorite local celeb feature entitled 5 Questions with On Wednesdays, exclusively on CSNChicago.com, its our turn to grill the local media and other local VIPs with five random sports and non-sports related questions that will definitely be of interest to old and new fans alike.<\/p>\n
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!<\/p>\n
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BIO:<\/strong> Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. Her successor, Melissa McGurren, left without giving a reason in December 2020. A wonderful woman. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. From dance and food festivals to concerts and parades, Latino Chicagoans have much to look forward to this summer. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. In the end, it wasnt until a few months later that an official announcement was made. 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. We are disappointed by the courts ruling on the defamation claim and are reviewing the path forward," Carmen D. Caruso, the attorney representing McGurren and DeNicolo, told me Saturday. Understandably, the whole situation would have been stressful and frustrating for the former co-host. 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. the trials and tribulations of motherhood, relationships, etc.). The UChicago Men's Soccer team has won the Div3 National Championship for the first time ever! [A look back at the glory years of Eric and Kathy in the morning. 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. 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.. Babich married Paul Durbin in 2018 four years after she joined ABC 7. Subscribe to Racket News. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. While he described the events as very strange and unpredictable, he admitted that he had felt energized and rejuvenated following her official departure. 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"}. 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. 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. His music will forever be timeless to me. Hugely successful, it had become one of Chicagos top-rated shows within just three years of its debut. "The key to the success of this entertainment based, lifestyle driven show has been its ability to keep the content edgy enough to engage adults but with enough tongue in cheek humor to sail right over the heads of kids," the website states. So boys, don't just jump to conclusions on the ladies. 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. 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. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). I want to do more than that. Ive always wanted to work at the Mix, and this is not how I saw things coming, so here I sit. 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. 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. 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. (Michael Walker/for the Chicago Tribune). The station eventually removed the video from social media after the post generated a negative reaction from the morning shows fans.. She consistently strives to be the best Melissa she can be and says there is always more to learn through new experiences in life. Cross country star Sara Armstrong outruns people. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. 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. 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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 . "Eric in the Morning" host Eric Ferguson, center, stands with former co-host Melissa McGurren, left, and Brian Whip Paruch. May 6, 2021. McGurren said she quit the station in 2020 after years of complaining about Fergusons on- and off-air behavior, claims she said were ignored by station executives who sought to protect the popular host. She is the gift that keeps giving. oh and REINVENTION. As one thing led to another, she had found herself hosting a morning show with Brian Peck, with whom she worked with for several years. They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. We provide the most recent, unbiased accounts of the news that matters to you. 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. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. By. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. ", EARLIER: 'Eric In The Morning' Host Coerced Sexual Favors: Ex-WTMX Staffer. Last week U.S. District Court Judge Ronald A. Guzmn rejected McGurren's claim and granted Hubbards motion to dismiss her suit. 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. I don't know what the future holds for me. 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. The station publicly announced Dec. 16 that she did not renew her contract and would be leaving The Mix statements McGurren said in her complaint were false and defamatory. 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. I've gone to some games myself and have thoroughly enjoyed all that goes on, be it the tailgating, the camaraderie, etc. Another lawsuit filed in connection to harassment claims against radio host Eric Ferguson, Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads, Dear Abby: Dinner date urges me not to regain the weight I lost, Johnny Depp denies hitting Amber Heard: Nothing of the kind ever happened, Ari Emanuel talks about pizza, brotherly fisticuffs and ice baths during a visit to Chicago, Charges filed after Loop Target worker is stabbed while confronting shoplifter, The Edgar haircut is one more thing kids, parents can disagree on, Dear Abby: When I travel, friend checking my home also snoops through my things, Meet the new face of the 26th Street business corridor, Mexican parade date announced, Sueos ampla la lista de DJs locales y negocios latinos en el festival de Grant Park, Sueos bringing bigger roster of local DJs, Latino-owned businesses to Grant Park festival, Gua de Verano 2023: Eventos latinos en Chicago, Summer Guide 2023: Latino events abound in Chicago. 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. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on Good Day Chicago last September. I know I worry too much about saying the wrong thing to people or hurting their feelings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 5) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> Name your Top 3 favorite songs\/artists that would NEVER be played on The Mix?<\/p>\n McGurren:<\/strong> Ok, first up, give me some old Dixie Chicks and I'm pretty much in heaven. CHICAGO After three women have accused radio host Eric Ferguson of fostering a sexist and hostile work environment, a former 101.9 FM "The Mix" employee is speaking out. I just subscribed to Racket News. McGurrens defamation suit claims the statement falsely calls her a liar and attacks her credibility and integrity. People share their stories with me. McGurrens complaint also said she spoke over 10 times about Ferguson to Jimmy Steal, who replaced Kachinske in 2019, and that Steal told McGurren thats just the way (Ferguson) is and all radio geniuses act like that., Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. 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). We talk about a lot of things non-sports related so I'm fine in that aspect. I did not receive this assurance and was not invited back on the air, the document said. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). In court documents filed Tuesday, Melissa McGurren, his former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM, became the third woman to publicly accuse Ferguson of inappropriate behavior at the Hubbard. Christy Gutowski and Tracy Swartz of the Chicago Tribune first reported on DeNicolossuit against Ferguson in September and have continued to advance the story. We wish her the best., Eric Ferguson, from left, Melissa McGurren and Kathy Hart work on "Eric & Kathy" on Nov. 11, 2009. 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. McGurren filed her EEOC complaint months later, in December 2020. I want to bust the bad guys! 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? I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. A woman who accused radio host Eric Ferguson of creating an unbearable work environment has filed a defamation lawsuit against the radio stations parent company claimingit either never looked into her claims or the investigation was a sham.. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. McGurren also alleged Ferguson harassed her about her clothes, often telling her what to wear. Regular news and features by award-winning author and investigative reporter. In the end, it wasnt until she moved back home to Chicago a few years later, that she was hired at The Mix. I think my future is radio. The shows popularity seems limitless right now. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. racket.news. 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! Right now, the Eric and Kathy Show "feels right.". Ferguson's ex-wife filed for divorce from the radio host in August 2019. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. 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. She has not commented publicly about why she left. According to the station's website, the show's key demographic is listeners between the ages of 25 and 54 years old. Tell us CSNChicago.com readers want to hear about it! Hubbard never interviewed Ashrafi as part of its investigation, according to the lawsuit. Official WTMX Eric and Kathy Show home page, alias => "chicago\/\/5-questions-melissa-mcgurren", title => "5 Questions with Melissa McGurren", article_body => " CSN Chicago Senior Director of Communications Want to know more about your favorite Chicago media celebrities?
CSNChicago.com Contributor<\/p>\n
