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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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted a morning show with Eric Ferguson at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. McGurren posted a video earlier this month on her Facebook page, explaining she was fine after listeners wondered where she was after being absent from the show for weeks. 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. 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? That helps Grayslake Central soccer. BIO: Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. DeNicolos defamation suit included a copy of a complaint McGurren filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in which McGurren detailed Fergusons demeaning behavior and called him a serial abuser of women. DeNicolo is also represented by Caruso. Latest Job Openings In And Around Chicago, 5 New Properties On The Market In And Around The Chicago Area, Mike'd Up: How A Chicagoan's Ditka-Inspired Bachelor Party Went Viral. 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:. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. A wonderful woman. 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. 1) CSNChicago.com: Melissa, first off, congrats to you and your fellow cast of characters on the massive success of the Eric and Kathy Show. 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. Created by Melissa McGurren. 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. Actress: The Young and the Restless. Free Learn for Life Webinar: Entrepreneurship Fundamentals. ], Our plans for the future of Eric in the Morning definitely included Melissa, Jeff England, vice president and market manager at Hubbard Chicago which owns and operates the Mix said in the statement. He so harassed her about the setup that in June 2020 she went back into the studio with him, even though I felt very unsafe doing so, her complaint alleges. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. 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. CHICAGO - A third woman accused popular Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior in court documents filed Tuesday. 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. 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). Ferguson will be off the air through October, according to an email England sent Tuesday to employees that was obtained by the Tribune. I love my job, I love radio and I can't imagine not being on the air. 157. I contend that Eric Ferguson is a serial abuser of women and that for many years, the management of The Mix has protected Ferguson in allowing him to continue in perpetrating his misconduct that goes far beyond the limits of decency despite ample notice from me and many of my co-workers that Fergusons behavior is unlawful, McGurren wrote in a December complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 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. May 6, 2021. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. 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. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. The new love of her life is her son Porter, who was born in December 2010. 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. 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. [Former WTMX staffer sues Eric in the Morning host Eric Ferguson, alleging radio star coerced sexual favors], In her EEOC complaint, McGurren said Ferguson for years made insulting comments about her appearance, on air and in front of co-workers, including telling her what to wear. Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Ferguson, a Radio Hall of Famer and once Chicago's highest paid radio personality, stepped down in October after 25 years at The Mix. A look back at the glory years of Eric and Kathy in the morning. Hes part of Melissas morning show. Yeah that's right. 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.. 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. In her only public comment at the time, McGurren said on social media the truth will come out. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Can I add a fourth? 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. Another woman, former sales employee Kristen Mori, said in a court document that Ferguson groped her at a station Christmas party in 2003. \"With a twinkle in his eye, he stole my heart. Mar 21. 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. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. 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. 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. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? Understandably, the whole situation would have been stressful and frustrating for the former co-host. oh and REINVENTION. 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. 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 did not agree with her characterization of events. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. Hubbard Radio Chicago perpetuated the culture that made a toxic workplace possible. ", 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." This comes in the form of e-mails (mostly). 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. Despite the fact that she had co-hosted the radio show for many years with her on-air partner Eric, she started to become absent from the program in April 2017. 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. This comes in the form of e-mails (mostly). How could we improve it? She consistently strives to be the best Melissa she can be and says there is always more to learn through new experiences in life. "With a twinkle in his eye, he stole my heart. :), Melissa McCarthy may be a popular name in comedic movie roles, where she is often, Melissa McCarthy is a national treasure. Her successor, Melissa McGurren, left without giving a reason in December 2020. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren on Thursday accused her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, of defamation in a new lawsuit that includes fresh allegations that WTMX-FM management. I cant even believe this, I am where I am right now. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. I went through a time of just wanting to have fun myself and so have my girlfriends. In a complaint filed with the U.S. Right now, the Eric and Kathy Show \"feels right.\"<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> Being a public figure as a radio personality naturally opens up your personal life to your listeners (i.e. 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.. 0. These are some of the questions that well hopefully be answering below. 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. 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! Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Radio host Eric Ferguson and former WTMX assistant producer Cynthia Skolak, now Cynthia DeNicolo, at the station's studio in August 2004. "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. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. She loves that they listen to her, that they reach out to her, and that they want to connect with her through their own stories. McGurren also spoke many times with a former radio host who worked alongside Ferguson at WTMX about Fergusons inappropriate behavior and the hostile working environment Fergusons conduct created between 2006 and 2017, according to the complaint, which does not identify the former host. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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). Ferguson's former co-host Kathy Hart was reportedly fired from the show after 21 years 2017. His music will forever be timeless to me. 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. 4) CSNChicago.com: If you could be one celebrity for one week, who would it be and why? US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. 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. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. The woman, Kristen Mori of Ohio, wrote that management turned a blind eye towards (his) inappropriate and offensive conduct because of the revenue generated by his show. "Eric in the Morning" host Eric Ferguson, center, stands with former co-host Melissa McGurren, left, and Brian Whip Paruch. 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. A radio personality, Kathy Hart gained fame as one-half of. Friday's comment of the day: Linda Shafran: Deloris MeBain was a sparkling light at NBC Tower. 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 . Regular news and features by award-winning author and investigative reporter. 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. 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. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. She has not commented publicly about why she left. She also described a pattern of abuse against women at the station by Ferguson. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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. Former WTMX staffer sues Eric in the Morning host Eric Ferguson, alleging radio star coerced sexual favors, Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix radio, Do you read Chicago Tribune email newsletters? "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. ", 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. McGurren, you'll recall, was co-host of Ferguson's morning show when she left in 2020 after 22 years at The Mix. Head Coach and former Red Star Julianne Sitch is also one of the few HC's of a men's team in the country. McGurren ultimately left in 2020 and later posted an emotional video on Instagram saying, "The truth will come out." FILE - Melissa McCarthy appears at the world premiere of "The Kitchen" on Aug. 5, 2019, in Los Angeles. 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.. Ferguson currently faces two lawsuits from former employees and is named in a complaint by former co-host Melissa McGurren on WTMX's popular morning show "Eric in the Morning. Track is another story. Free Professional Website Design & SEO for Veteran-Owned Businesses, Serve Your Community in a Uniformed Service. Yeah that's right. What has Kathy been up to since then? I definitely know more now that we talk about it on the show, but I don't really follow it. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on Good Day Chicago last September. Get the best water damage restoration in Chicago right now! By. DeNicolo was laid off in May 2020. (WTMX radio). I did a different show (for a short time). Likely in the capacity of on-air, but as long as there is growth with the Eric and Kathy Show, both on the air and in the studio, I'll be there. They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. Melissa McGurren, co-host of Eric Fergusons morning show, said Wednesday the truth will come out about her departure from WTMX-FM 101.9 after more than two decades with the contemporary music station. This year, organizers expect that number to be surpassed. McGurren wrote that Ferguson knew she complained to management and this caused his alleged harassment to escalate. McGurren left her job because she could no longer stand Ferguson's harassment and management's refusal to do anything about it, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. From dance and food festivals to concerts and parades, Latino Chicagoans have much to look forward to this summer. 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. 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. Kachinske, now with Cumulus Media in New England, also did not respond to a request for comment. I succumbed to his pressure, and because of the social media post, I received many unwanted sexual comments from men on social media.. 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 . Born and raised in Chicago, Kathy spent the majority of her early life in Crystal Lake. McGurrens complaints were added to the suit as evidence that station management ignored Fergusons alleged behavior. What had led her to be let go from the radio show? ", Earlier, Hubbard Broadcasting released a statement that said internal and external investigations "found no evidence to corroborate allegations of illegal workplace conduct.". 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. There are at least 11 that I would pick, but if I can only pick one Chelsea Handler. 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. 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. 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. I did not receive this assurance and was not invited back on the air, the document said. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. BIO: Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. 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. 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. 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. If YOU know how to get me in there to help, email me ([email protected])! Has she returned to the radio? DeNicolo has also filed a separate suit against Hubbard, contending the company made defamatory statements to its employees and the media after the Tribune and others reported last week that she had sued Ferguson in May. 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 . I've gone to some games myself and have thoroughly enjoyed all that goes on, be it the tailgating, the camaraderie, etc. As the aforementioned primary sidekick to E & K, do you have any aspirations to one day soon have your own radio show? 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We get hundreds of people coming. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>, CSN Chicago Senior Director of CommunicationsCSNChicago.com Contributor. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. Are you 60 or older? "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. Ferguson has not otherwise responded to requests for comment. They cannot lie their way out of this problem. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. 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. I want to be involved in the creative solutions to stop animal cruelty. Melissa McCarthys, Many people are familiar with actor Drake Bell. McGurren also suffers severe emotional distress that has manifested in physical symptoms such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, bouts of crying, and panic attacks. From there, individuals turned their attention to Steve Mandell, Kathys agent. 5) CSNChicago.com: Name your Top 3 favorite songs/artists that would NEVER be played on The Mix? We will hold them accountable, said McGurrens attorney Carmen Caruso. To their dismay, however, he was unable to make any comments about the situation as Hubbard had requested for them not to do so. 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. Tell us what's wrong with this post? According to reports, the co-host had been fired by Hubbard Radio, the owner of The Mix station. 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. I definitely know more now that we talk about it on the show, but I don't really follow it. In a complaint filed with the U.S. I love it. 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. This was when I was on another morning show. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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! 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. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little 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.