<\/p>\n
BONUS QUESTION! DeNicolo, a former assistant producer of Eric in the Morning, alleged Ferguson coerced sexual favors from her in 2004, then retaliated against her for years after she put a stop to it, according to her lawsuit, filed by attorney Carmen Caruso. They weren't around very long. Click to read Racket News, a Substack publication with hundreds of thousands of readers. CHICAGO Radio Hall of Famer Eric Ferguson of "Eric In The Morning" will be off the air until at least the end of October amidst sexual and professional misconduct allegations, according to media columnist Robert Feder. 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. 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.. 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. If the show ever ends (let's say, 30 years from now), I'll probably just retire. 0. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Melissa McGurren co-hosted a morning show with Eric Ferguson at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. A look back at the glory years of Eric and Kathy in the morning. This was when I was on another morning show. I don't want to donate money (I already do that). 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. 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. They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. imgur. Melissa started her radio career in the Hoosier State in Hammond and Merrillville before becoming the sidekick/traffic reporter at THE MIX. Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM,. A radio personality, Kathy Hart gained fame as one-half ofEric and Kathy, which she hosted with Eric Fergusonher on-air partner since 1996. Yeah that's right. CSNChicago.com: Anything you'd like to promote Melissa? 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 is of Irish, German and Dutch descent. Experienced a TBI? All kidding aside, who knows what path the future holds, but when something \"feels right\", I just go with it. 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 . "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. From dance and food festivals to concerts and parades, Latino Chicagoans have much to look forward to this summer. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. MELISSA McGURREN! 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. Actually, I loved those guys but you probably don't remember. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? Ferguson has not otherwise responded to requests for comment. 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. Can I add a fourth? She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. FILE - Melissa McCarthy appears at the world premiere of "The Kitchen" on Aug. 5, 2019, in Los Angeles. "Melissa and Austin" debuted on WUSN Monday, May 10, running from 6am-9am. The new love of her life is her son Porter, who was born in December 2010. According to the station's website, the show's key demographic is listeners between the ages of 25 and 54 years old. Her successor, Melissa McGurren, left without giving a reason in December 2020. Equal Employment Opportunity . Solk, like Kachinske, did nothing in response to the complaints, McGurren wrote in the EEOC complaint. In the end, it wasnt until a few months later that an official announcement was made. We get hundreds of people coming. 4) CSNChicago.com: If you could be one celebrity for one week, who would it be and why? Ferguson's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit last month, but did not respond to Patch's request for comment. "It's become clear that the problems at The Mix go much deeper than a radio personality that behaved very badly for a long time. 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.. 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. I'm not looking to host events. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Babich married Paul Durbin in 2018 four years after she joined ABC 7. A surprise to everyone, it was announced that Kathy had been fired from Eric & Kathy by The Mix radio station. Tell us CSNChicago.com readers want to hear about it!<\/p>\n McGurren:<\/strong> I have StyleFile events that start every spring and last all summer. 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. I went through a time of just wanting to have fun myself and so have my girlfriends. 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. 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. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for abusive. This year, organizers expect that number to be surpassed. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner, Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80, 1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports, 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. 123 talking about this. 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. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. McGurren spent most of . Study opportunity available! You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. Subscribe to Racket News. 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 . 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. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. His music will forever be timeless to me. That helps Grayslake Central soccer. I love my job, I love radio and I can't imagine not being on the air. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. I want to do more than that. 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. As the aforementioned primary sidekick to E & K, do you have any aspirations to one day soon have your own radio show? Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. McGurrens complaints were added to the suit as evidence that station management ignored Fergusons alleged behavior. Hes been around for a while, hes. By. Tell us what's wrong with this post? McGurren: Well you can believe it. 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. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. ANY Frank Sinatra song is fantastic! They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. 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. 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. 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. "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. Hes part of Melissas morning show. I think my future is radio. Tweet. 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. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. An attorney for Hubbard Radio Chicago didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Besides, David Grohl is dreamy. Her successor, Melissa McGurren, left without giving a reason in December 2020. 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 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. Melissa McGurren After more. I definitely know more now that we talk about it on the show, but I don't really follow it. As far as being nervous when pro athletes come in, nahnot really. 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. She has not commented publicly about why she left. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. ], 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. This was when I was on another morning show. 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? We thought wed look into her life and see whats up with her and the fact that shes been gone for months. Get the best water damage restoration in Chicago right now! They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. McGurren was offered a contract extension, which much to our surprise she declined, the station said in a statement Wednesday. McGurren: When I first started, I didn't mind talking about some aspects of my life. McGurren, you'll recall, was co-host of Ferguson's morning show when she left in 2020 after 22 years at The Mix. 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.. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on, From there, she would go on to co-host WTMXs. From dance and food festivals to concerts and parades, Latino Chicagoans have much to look forward to this summer. 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. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. From 2009 to 2010, he was dating . She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted a morning show with Eric Ferguson at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Christy Gutowski and Tracy Swartz of the Chicago Tribune first reported on DeNicolossuit against Ferguson in September and have continued to advance the story. I don't know much about sports. 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. I'm not looking to host events. Huff, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and self-described country music fan, is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. (Michael Walker/for the Chicago Tribune). 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. The complaint says McGurren knew this host had complained on their behalf to Kachinske and Greg Solk, who served as Hubbard senior vice president of programming before leaving the company in 2016. 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. McGurren and Austin Huff a podcaster and longtime producer who hails from. If YOU know how to get me in there to help, email me (Melissa@wtmx.com)! If YOU know how to get me in there to help, email me (Melissa@wtmx.com<\/a>)! For their contributions, both Eric and Kathy were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. The shows popularity seems limitless right now. Study opportunity available! (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. McGurren provided several examples of Fergusons alleged harassment in the arbitration document. People share their stories with me. 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. Kathy Hart, Fergusons longtime morning show co-host, departed WTMX in 2017 without explanation. 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. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). 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. Fergusons conduct this day humiliated McGurren, as Ferguson intended. 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 want to be involved in the creative solutions to stop animal cruelty. Do tell. 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 . Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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. Another woman, former sales employee Kristen Mori, said in a court document that Ferguson groped her at a station Christmas party in 2003. 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. 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. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. 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. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. DeNicolo in May filed a lawsuit against Ferguson accusing him of coercing her into performing sexualfavors. Like McGurren, DeNicolo sued Hubbard for defamation after the company said it found no evidence to corroborate allegations of illegal workplace conduct. Hubbard attorneys are seeking to have that suit dismissed as well. Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? the trials and tribulations of motherhood, relationships, etc.). 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. 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. According to reports, the co-host had been fired by Hubbard Radio, the owner of The Mix station. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. Radio Ink. "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. At the time, she also said the statement put out by The Mix regarding her departure was "not accurate. 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. 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! Give us your feedback and you could earn a prize, Highland council candidates aim to improve town business climate, transparency, Paul Johnsons Aurora, Elgin, Naperville baseball rankings and player of the week, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 18.2k Followers, 1,343 Following, 64 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. She is the gift that keeps giving. The station eventually removed the video from social media after the post generated a negative reaction from the morning shows fans.. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. McGurren also alleged Ferguson harassed her about her clothes, often telling her what to wear. If the show ever ends (let's say, 30 years from now), I'll probably just retire. Kachinske, now with Cumulus Media in New England, also did not respond to a request for comment. 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?<\/p>\n McGurren:<\/strong> When I first started, I didn't mind talking about some aspects of my life. 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.
Tvsn Presenters Who Have Left,
Countries That Banned Pfizer Vaccine,
Articles I