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3) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> You've stated that you don't know that much about sports not sure if I can believe that. Hugely successful, it had become one of Chicagos top-rated shows within just three years of its debut. 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. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. 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"}. 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. McGurren is the third female former employee of The Mix to come forward to say Ferguson engaged in inappropriate conduct. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Head Coach and former Red Star Julianne Sitch is also one of the few HC's of a men's team in the country. McGurrens suit claims Hubbards investigation was never conducted or, at a minimum, was a sham investigation.. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM,. WUSN-FM (US99)/Chicago morning co-host Melissa McGurren has filed a defamation lawsuit against her former employer, crosstown Hubbard Radio, reports the Chicago Tribune.On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." 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. 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 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. Free Learn for Life Webinar: Entrepreneurship Fundamentals. McGurren filed her EEOC complaint months later, in December 2020. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Want to know more about your favorite Chicago media celebrities? Eric in the Morning will continue with Ferguson and the current morning show team, including Violeta Podrumedic, Brian Whip Paruch and John Swany Swanson, the station said in its statement. Last week U.S. District Court Judge Ronald A. Guzmn rejected McGurren's claim and granted Hubbards motion to dismiss her suit. 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. 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. In complaints made public Tuesday in court filings, McGurren alleged Ferguson subjected her to an unbearable hostile work environment and that the management of WTMX-FM 101.9 did nothing about it for years. 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. 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 went through a time of just wanting to have fun myself and so have my girlfriends. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2) CSNChicago.com: Being a public figure as a radio personality naturally opens up your personal life to your listeners (i.e. McGurren: Ok, first up, give me some old Dixie Chicks and I'm pretty much in heaven. With that, individuals began to speculate the reasoning behind her departure. I want to do more than that. She also claimed Ferguson engineered her dismissal. As far as being nervous when pro athletes come in, nahnot really. Valpo Parks director Siebert retiring, assistant Nuppnau promoted to position. This was when I was on another morning show. Plus -- I'm looking for a charity that I can really be involved in that deals with animals. 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 did a different show (for a short time). Her writing has allowed her to visit NYC for Fashion Week events since 2015, and she's worked with clients in almost every field, from dentistry to law and family to entertainment. 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. 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. As it happened, Kathy had posted a statement on her Facebook page, in which she had stated that she fully intends to be back on the air., Around that same time, Kathys former co-host Eric also shared his thoughts on her departure in an interview. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Do tell. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. Are you 60 or older? His music will forever be timeless to me. Melissa & Austin. Besides, David Grohl is dreamy. -. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 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." \"With a twinkle in his eye, he stole my heart. While she does not address the actual reason for her disappearance, she does make it clear that she and her family are all healthy and shes hopeful everyone stays that way. 'Such a mess': Former employee at 'The Mix' speaks out amid Eric Left in the dark, many fans took to social media to find answers. BIO: Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. We talk about a lot of things non-sports related so I'm fine in that aspect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> If you could be one celebrity for one week, who would it be and why?<\/p>\n McGurren:<\/strong> Just one? 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. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. Understandably, the whole situation would have been stressful and frustrating for the former co-host. I think my future is radio. What Happened to Kathy Hart from Eric and Kathy? - 2018 Update A look back at the glory years of Eric and Kathy in the morning. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Mom 1st. So boys, don't just jump to conclusions on the ladies. 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. I will say Ive been trying to figure out the best way to handle it, but that statement was not accurate. At the age of 8, Melissa was already writing and creating radio shows on cassette tapes to play for her mom. Listen on the show for upcoming events starting soon! Eric Ferguson, from left, Melissa McGurren and Kathy Hart work on "Eric & Kathy" on Nov. 11, 2009. The rest of the station's lineup remains intact, with New York-based Katie Neal from noon to 3 p.m., Scotty Kay from 3 to 7 p.m. and Detroit-based Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from 7 p.m. to midnight. Cross country star Sara Armstrong outruns people. McGurren claimed in her filing that the station's management protected Ferguson for years by allowing him to "perpetuate his misconduct that goes far beyond the limits of decency." ANY Frank Sinatra song is fantastic!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n BONUS QUESTION! New Tradition Chorus "Blast From the Past" with songs of '70s and '80s. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she wrote, she worked in a space with a window separating her from Ferguson, because of her asthma and other medical issues. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit We wish her the best., Eric Ferguson, from left, Melissa McGurren and Kathy Hart work on "Eric & Kathy" on Nov. 11, 2009. I did not receive this assurance and was not invited back on the air, the document said. Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country McGurren also suffers severe emotional distress that has manifested in physical symptoms such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, bouts of crying, and panic attacks. DeNicolo in May filed a lawsuit against Ferguson accusing him of coercing her into performing sexualfavors. 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 love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. Her agent was unavailable for comment. Melissa McCarthys, Many people are familiar with actor Drake Bell. 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 grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. 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. 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. 5 Questions with Melissa McGurren - NBC Sports RSN "Eric in the Morning" host Eric Ferguson, center, stands with former co-host Melissa McGurren, left, and Brian Whip Paruch. 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. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. His conduct rose to such a level to render her place of work unbearable, forcing her to leave a job she loved and excelled in, the arbitration document said. 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. McGurrens complaints were added to the suit as evidence that station management ignored Fergusons alleged behavior. Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. 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. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. Get the best water damage restoration in Chicago right now! According to the Chicago Tribune, which broke the story of the lawsuit, the "unwelcome sexual relationship" plagued the start of DeNicolo's career in radio and that she was fired 16 years after she stopped giving sexual favors. Friday's comment of the day: Linda Shafran: Deloris MeBain was a sparkling light at NBC Tower. 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Ferguson stepped down as host of the popular show in October, amid outcry over McGurrens allegations and claims of sexual assault and workplace harassment made by other female employees of The Mix.. Actually, I loved those guys but you probably don't remember. Fans have been worried. In a complaint filed with the U.S. What has Kathy been up to since? One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. Are you 60 or older? 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. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. A radio personality, Kathy Hart gained fame as one-half ofEric and Kathy, which she hosted with Eric Fergusonher on-air partner since 1996. 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. 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. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. [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. She is such a proud mom. BONUS QUESTION! . McGurren also alleged Ferguson harassed her about her clothes, often telling her what to wear. 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). US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. ", 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. 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.. I want to bust the bad guys! His music will forever be timeless to me. 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. This comes in the form of e-mails (mostly). They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. I don't know what the future holds for me. In the end, it was announced that the morning show would be continuing under a different nameEric in the Morning with Melissa & Whip. I love hosting them, I love the people that come and it's just "a good ol' time." She consistently strives to be the best Melissa she can be and says there is always more to learn through new experiences in life. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren breaks silence, alleges Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit, alleging Judge turns down bid by ex-Chicago radio host to reboot $10M defamation Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. What had led her to be let go from the radio show? "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. 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! Attorneys for Ferguson have denied DeNicolos allegations and filed a motion to dismiss her lawsuit. She has not commented publicly about why she left. Eric Ferguson Off The Air For Now, Melissa Speaks Out: Reports Melissa McGurren After more. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. I get why people love sports. Fergusons conduct this day humiliated McGurren, as Ferguson intended. 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. 3) CSNChicago.com: You've stated that you don't know that much about sports not sure if I can believe that.