Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX


Melissa McGurren
Melissa McGurren

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." She's seeking $10 million in damages.

According to the newspaper, the suit includes a declaration as an exhibit from another former employee, Jennifer Ashrafi, who said she left as the station's afternoon co-host in January, 2020 because she was so "disgusted" by the "misogyny, gender discrimination and hostile work environment that was pervasive" at the station.

The Tribune also reports that McGurren, who co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" on The Mix, described Ferguson in a December complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a "serial abuser of women" who had subjected her to an "unbearable hostile work environment." McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December.

In the defamation suit filed Thursday, she said Hubbard did not perform an investigation or conducted "a sham investigation" into her allegations, and the company attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made last week to staff.

Hubbard Radio/Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff England said in a memo to employees on October 5 that the company "thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events."

However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." "A thorough investigation would have uncovered that Jennifer Ashrafi brought many of these same issues, that corroborate Melissa's 'characterization of events,' to England in January, 2020, months before Melissa filed her charge" with the EEOC.

Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

MBHOF Inducts Radio Legends at 2025 Ceremony
Massachusetts Broadcasters Association
Massachusetts Broadcasters Association
The Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame welcomed eight distinguished broadcasters into its ranks Thursday, including several notable figures from the state's rich radio history. The induction ceremony took place during a luncheon hosted by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association at the Sheraton More

FCC Fines North Miami Pirate Radio Operator $2.39 Million
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a $2.39 million forfeiture order against Fabrice Polynice, also known as DJ Paz, for the illegal operation of an unlicensed FM radio station in North Miami, Florida. According to the FCC's order, Polynice operated the pirate radio station "Radio More

Jesse James Joins WKDF Nashville as Morning Host
Jesse James
Jesse James
WKDF (Country 103.3) in Nashville names Jesse James as its new morning host, replacing The Big D & Bubba Show, which has moved to sister station 95.5 WSM-FM. James most recently held down mornings at co-owned KUBL (93.3 The Bull) in Salt Lake City and brings a longstanding connection with Cumulus VP/Country More
Advertisement

Tom Shattuck Departs WTIC 1080 After Four-Year Run
Tom Shattuck
Tom Shattuck
Tom Shattuck, midday host at Audacy's News/Talk WTIC 1080 in Hartford, is leaving the station following news that his contract will not be renewed. Shattuck revealed the development on his Burn Barrel podcast, sharing that he was informed Thursday his deal -- set to expire later this month -- would not be More

Tino Cochino Returns to San Antonio for Morning Show
Tino Cochino
Tino Cochino
KZEP-FM (104.5 Latino Hits), San Antonio's Numero Uno Para Hits, has announced the launch of the Tino Cochino Radio Morning Show, beginning Monday, June 9. The show will air weekdays from 6-10am CT. The addition marks a homecoming for Tino Cochino, whose career was first embraced by San Antonio audiences. More

La Bronca Joins reVolver Podcasts with New Show
La Bronca
La Bronca
reVolver Podcasts has added one of Spanish-language radio's most iconic voices to its lineup, welcoming Sylvia Del Valle -- known to fans as La Bronca -- to its expanding network. The bold and charismatic broadcaster is launching a new podcast aimed at connecting with Hispanic audiences through candid More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement