Eric ferguson chicago
Author: f | 2025-04-25
Eric Wesley Ferguson was born in Chicago on J, to Fay Holmes Ferguson and Ernest Ferguson. Eric died in Yokosuka, Japan on Ma, at the age of 31. Interviews with current and former Chicago radio professionals conducted by twenty year Chicago radio veteran Rick Kaempfer. Saturday, Janu. Eric Ferguson Eric Ferguson is the co-host of the very successful Eric
Eric Ferguson Out At Chicago’s Mix.
Post, I received many unwanted sexual comments from men on social media.”McGurren 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’s 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.”By Dec. 3, according to her EEOC complaint, her attorney told the station McGurren would not return to the show without assurances the alleged harassment would stop. The station publicly announced Dec. 16 that she did not renew her contract and would be leaving The Mix.“The Eric and Kathy Show” in the mornings on 101.9-FM (The Mix), with hosts, Eric Ferguson, Melissa McGurren and Kathy Hart at the station’s studio in 2009.The EEOC granted McGurren the right to sue. 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.”Ferguson, an Elburn, Illinois, native, was paired with another former co-host, Kathy Hart, when he joined The Mix in 1996 after stops in Rockford, Denver and other cities. Ferguson and Hart co-hosted the top-rated morning program “Eric & Kathy” until Hart departed the station in 2017 without explanation.Efforts to reach Ferguson, who is named as David Eric Ferguson in DeNicolo’s May lawsuit, have been unsuccessful. WTMX's Eric Ferguson Sued Over Alleged Sexual CoercionEric FergusonCynthia DeNicolo, a former assistant producer for WTMX-FM/Chicago's "Eric in the Morning" show is suing host and Radio Hall of Famer Eric Ferguson, alleging he coerced sexual favors from her early in her career, then prevented promotions as punishment after she refused to resume an "unwelcome sexual relationship," reports the Chicago Tribune. In a lawsuit filed last May, DeNicolo claims Ferguson orchestrated her dismissal nearly 16 years after she stopped providing oral sex about twice a month in response to Ferguson's demands, for which he allegedly used the code words "I need a backrub." DeNicolo alleged in the lawsuit that Ferguson taunted her with the phrase throughout her tenure at the station, which ended in May, 2020. She also alleges that he berated her in front of other workers and demanded personal favors, such as pressuring her to babysit his children for a decade beginning in 2003, leading her to be known around The Mix as "Eric's babysitter." The complaint accuses Ferguson of intentional infliction of emotional distress and alleges he "intended that DeNicolo suffer low wages and stalled career advancement as her punishment for refusing to succumb to his demands to resume the unwelcome sexual relationship she terminated in 2004." DeNicolo, 43, did not report him to the station for fear she would "lose her job, be publicly shamed, and humiliated out of the radio industry or otherwise driven out of radio by a vindictive Eric Ferguson," according to her lawsuit. Read the entire article from the Chicago Tribune here. Salem Media Group Reports Fiscal Year 2024 ResultsSalem Media GroupSalem Media Group reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 on Friday. Total net revenue decreased by 8.1% to $237.56 million in 2024, down from $258.65 million in 2023. Net broadcast revenue fell to $185.9 million, a decrease of 5.9% compared to theMoreSaga/Keene NH Appoints Randy Cable as VP/General ManagerRandy CableSaga Communications appoints Randy Cable as Vice President and General Manager of its cluster in Keene, NH. Cable rejoins Saga from Beasley Media, where he recently held the position of Regional Director of Sales for Fort Myers and Tampa. A native of Spring Valley, NY, Cable previously managed integratedMoreWBA Foundation Announces 2025 Hall of Fame InducteesWisconsin Broadcasters AssociationThe Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation has revealed the inductees for its 2025 Hall of Fame, recognizing four esteemed individuals forEric Ferguson, of ‘Eric in the Morning,’ sells - Chicago Tribune
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 perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as popular morning host Eric Ferguson “at any cost.”McGurren’s defamation suit against the company that owns The Mix seeks $10 million in damages and includes a declaration as an exhibit from another former employee, Jennifer Ashrafi, who said she quit her job co-hosting a well-known WTMX afternoon show in January 2020 because she was so “disgusted” by the “misogyny, gender discrimination and hostile work environment that was pervasive” at the station.News broke last week 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.Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson’s morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020.In Thursday’s defamation lawsuit, 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.Jeff England, Hubbard Chicago vice president and market manager, said in a message to employees Oct. 5 the company “thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with. Eric Wesley Ferguson was born in Chicago on J, to Fay Holmes Ferguson and Ernest Ferguson. Eric died in Yokosuka, Japan on Ma, at the age of 31.Eric Ferguson - Manager - Old Chicago Restaurants
A federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio in the case involving former Chicago morning man Eric Ferguson. Melissa McGurren, who worked at WTMX-FM for over two decades, filed the suit.McGurren claims Ferguson harassed her. The lawsuit against Hubbard, that McGurren filed, is over an e-mail sent by GM Jeff England. England told staff the station investigated McGurren’s allegations but did not agree with her version of events. McGurren claims England defamed her with that message implying she was a liar, according to The Chicago-Sun Times.Ferguson quit the show late last year.The paper reports that U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman dismissed the case, writing: “England’s internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiff’s former coworkers and defendant’s current employees. It acknowledges the existence of plaintiff’s pending EEOC claim, does not discuss particular facts, and simply indicates that the station has conducted its own investigations and does not agree with Plaintiff’s characterization of events— a classic statement of opinion.” 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 partner, Eric Ferguson. On June 30, U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman denied McGurren’s attempt to revive her lawsuit, and ordered her case against Hubbard Radio Chicago LLC terminated. McGurren, the former co-host of the once popular morning show on WTMX 101.9-FM “The Mix,” filed suit against WTMX owner, Hubbard, in 2021. In the lawsuit, McGurren asked the court to order Hubbard to pay her $10 million. The lawsuit centered on an email sent Oct. 5, 2021, to WTMX staff by Jeff England, vice president and market manager for Hubbard. In the email, England addressed public discussion of workplace harassment and discrimination claims McGurren had filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In that complaint, McGurren accused her former co-host, Ferguson, of creating an “unbearable hostile work environment” and of abuse against her and other female WTMX employees. She further claimed the station knew about the complaints against Ferguson, yet took no action until McGurren made the allegations publicly. Legal proceedings over those claims are continuing. However, in October 2021, England updated WTMX on the company’s response, saying in the email that Ferguson had been removed from the air. In that email, England further addressed McGurren’s claims. He said the company was well aware of the allegations, and had “thoroughly investigated this matter previously.” “Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa’s characterization of events, but we are committed to following the appropriate process and notChicago Radio Spotlight: Eric Ferguson - Blogger
Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against Eric Ferguson, The Mix --> 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. In a complaint filed with the U.S. 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. She also described a pattern of abuse against women at the station by Ferguson. In response, Jeff England, vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, sent an email to staff - published here - that read in part: "This is not a new development, and we've thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events, but we are committed to following the appropriate process and not litigating this matter in the public or the press." 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. Last week U.S. District Court Judge Ronald A. Guzmán rejected McGurren's claim and granted Hubbard's motion to dismiss her suit. In the four-page ruling dated March 1, Guzman wrote: "Taken in context, a reasonable reader would not understand the internal email by England to have been made for the purpose of causing harm to Plaintiff's reputation or lowering her standing in the community, but rather to acknowledge the existence of the EEOC claim, convey to the radio station's employees that the matter is being investigated, and indicate that the radio station does not agree with Plaintiff's interpretation. "Moreover, the email does not discuss any particular factual allegations, and the Court disagrees with Plaintiff's position that by referring generally to Plaintiff's EEOC Charge in his email, England was specifically incorporating Plaintiff's numerous factual allegations and branding Plaintiff a 'liar'18 holes with Eric Ferguson - Chicago Tribune
Experience sizzling chemistry, incredible energy, and songs no one can resist by Chicago’s very own Final Say.There is a secret ingredient to any performance. For some live bands in Chicago, it’s quality musicians, for others, it’s a memorable performance, and some bands have that special something, that sparkle that says “I’m having the time of my life tonight, and you should join me.”Final Say has all three and then some.Created by the ever-popular and in-demand Maggie Speaks, Final Say knows exactly how to create a custom experience for every audience. They can read a crowd and deliver just what the moment needs to help create the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable event.With vibrant, youthful energy and an extensive repertoire of songs that range from the latest Top 40 hits to classics that always bring an audience to their feet, Final Say delivers an impassioned show that makes the audience feel like they’re a part of something remarkable.Final Say burst onto the scene with a 40th birthday party for Eric Ferguson of Eric & Kathy on 101.9 The Mix, and they have not stopped the whirlwind of incredible sound and performance since. They have shared the stage with The B-52s and The Temptations, delivering professionalism, detailed performance, and a rare treat of unparalleled fervor on the Chicago live concert scene.. Eric Wesley Ferguson was born in Chicago on J, to Fay Holmes Ferguson and Ernest Ferguson. Eric died in Yokosuka, Japan on Ma, at the age of 31.Eric Ferguson, the longtime - Crain's Chicago Business
Is a written Sept. 30 declaration from Kristen Mori, 51, of Ohio. Mori alleged Ferguson groped her at WTMX’s 2003 Christmas party in full view of her husband and co-workers when she worked at the station as a sales employee. Her husband said he witnessed the groping incident, according to his declaration.The DeNicolo defamation suit is separate from the McGurren lawsuit, but both women are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. In a statement to the Tribune, Caruso said, “The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a cover-up that is now exposed as a lie. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.”In her defamation suit, filed Thursday, McGurren accuses Hubbard Chicago of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. McGurren co-hosts a morning show on the Audacy-owned station WUSN-FM 99.5 that “competes directly” with “Eric in the Morning,” her lawsuit said.McGurren’s defamation suit includes an exhibit from Ashrafi as evidence that Hubbard had prior knowledge of complaints by female employees but turned a blind eye.Ashrafi, 41, who said she worked at the station for more than a decade, alleged women employees are discriminated against regarding pay and job duties. She alleged women are mistreated, including at office parties, where spouses are not invited, and that “many men, not just Eric Ferguson, behaved inappropriately with the women employees,” her declaration said.“This is one of many examples of micro-aggressions and suggestive comments women at The Mix are expected to endure (in addition to being underpaidComments
Post, I received many unwanted sexual comments from men on social media.”McGurren 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’s 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.”By Dec. 3, according to her EEOC complaint, her attorney told the station McGurren would not return to the show without assurances the alleged harassment would stop. The station publicly announced Dec. 16 that she did not renew her contract and would be leaving The Mix.“The Eric and Kathy Show” in the mornings on 101.9-FM (The Mix), with hosts, Eric Ferguson, Melissa McGurren and Kathy Hart at the station’s studio in 2009.The EEOC granted McGurren the right to sue. 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.”Ferguson, an Elburn, Illinois, native, was paired with another former co-host, Kathy Hart, when he joined The Mix in 1996 after stops in Rockford, Denver and other cities. Ferguson and Hart co-hosted the top-rated morning program “Eric & Kathy” until Hart departed the station in 2017 without explanation.Efforts to reach Ferguson, who is named as David Eric Ferguson in DeNicolo’s May lawsuit, have been unsuccessful.
2025-04-08WTMX's Eric Ferguson Sued Over Alleged Sexual CoercionEric FergusonCynthia DeNicolo, a former assistant producer for WTMX-FM/Chicago's "Eric in the Morning" show is suing host and Radio Hall of Famer Eric Ferguson, alleging he coerced sexual favors from her early in her career, then prevented promotions as punishment after she refused to resume an "unwelcome sexual relationship," reports the Chicago Tribune. In a lawsuit filed last May, DeNicolo claims Ferguson orchestrated her dismissal nearly 16 years after she stopped providing oral sex about twice a month in response to Ferguson's demands, for which he allegedly used the code words "I need a backrub." DeNicolo alleged in the lawsuit that Ferguson taunted her with the phrase throughout her tenure at the station, which ended in May, 2020. She also alleges that he berated her in front of other workers and demanded personal favors, such as pressuring her to babysit his children for a decade beginning in 2003, leading her to be known around The Mix as "Eric's babysitter." The complaint accuses Ferguson of intentional infliction of emotional distress and alleges he "intended that DeNicolo suffer low wages and stalled career advancement as her punishment for refusing to succumb to his demands to resume the unwelcome sexual relationship she terminated in 2004." DeNicolo, 43, did not report him to the station for fear she would "lose her job, be publicly shamed, and humiliated out of the radio industry or otherwise driven out of radio by a vindictive Eric Ferguson," according to her lawsuit. Read the entire article from the Chicago Tribune here. Salem Media Group Reports Fiscal Year 2024 ResultsSalem Media GroupSalem Media Group reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 on Friday. Total net revenue decreased by 8.1% to $237.56 million in 2024, down from $258.65 million in 2023. Net broadcast revenue fell to $185.9 million, a decrease of 5.9% compared to theMoreSaga/Keene NH Appoints Randy Cable as VP/General ManagerRandy CableSaga Communications appoints Randy Cable as Vice President and General Manager of its cluster in Keene, NH. Cable rejoins Saga from Beasley Media, where he recently held the position of Regional Director of Sales for Fort Myers and Tampa. A native of Spring Valley, NY, Cable previously managed integratedMoreWBA Foundation Announces 2025 Hall of Fame InducteesWisconsin Broadcasters AssociationThe Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation has revealed the inductees for its 2025 Hall of Fame, recognizing four esteemed individuals for
2025-04-18Chicago 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 perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as popular morning host Eric Ferguson “at any cost.”McGurren’s defamation suit against the company that owns The Mix seeks $10 million in damages and includes a declaration as an exhibit from another former employee, Jennifer Ashrafi, who said she quit her job co-hosting a well-known WTMX afternoon show in January 2020 because she was so “disgusted” by the “misogyny, gender discrimination and hostile work environment that was pervasive” at the station.News broke last week 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.Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson’s morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020.In Thursday’s defamation lawsuit, 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.Jeff England, Hubbard Chicago vice president and market manager, said in a message to employees Oct. 5 the company “thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with
2025-04-05A federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio in the case involving former Chicago morning man Eric Ferguson. Melissa McGurren, who worked at WTMX-FM for over two decades, filed the suit.McGurren claims Ferguson harassed her. The lawsuit against Hubbard, that McGurren filed, is over an e-mail sent by GM Jeff England. England told staff the station investigated McGurren’s allegations but did not agree with her version of events. McGurren claims England defamed her with that message implying she was a liar, according to The Chicago-Sun Times.Ferguson quit the show late last year.The paper reports that U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman dismissed the case, writing: “England’s internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiff’s former coworkers and defendant’s current employees. It acknowledges the existence of plaintiff’s pending EEOC claim, does not discuss particular facts, and simply indicates that the station has conducted its own investigations and does not agree with Plaintiff’s characterization of events— a classic statement of opinion.”
2025-04-14Former 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 partner, Eric Ferguson. On June 30, U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman denied McGurren’s attempt to revive her lawsuit, and ordered her case against Hubbard Radio Chicago LLC terminated. McGurren, the former co-host of the once popular morning show on WTMX 101.9-FM “The Mix,” filed suit against WTMX owner, Hubbard, in 2021. In the lawsuit, McGurren asked the court to order Hubbard to pay her $10 million. The lawsuit centered on an email sent Oct. 5, 2021, to WTMX staff by Jeff England, vice president and market manager for Hubbard. In the email, England addressed public discussion of workplace harassment and discrimination claims McGurren had filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In that complaint, McGurren accused her former co-host, Ferguson, of creating an “unbearable hostile work environment” and of abuse against her and other female WTMX employees. She further claimed the station knew about the complaints against Ferguson, yet took no action until McGurren made the allegations publicly. Legal proceedings over those claims are continuing. However, in October 2021, England updated WTMX on the company’s response, saying in the email that Ferguson had been removed from the air. In that email, England further addressed McGurren’s claims. He said the company was well aware of the allegations, and had “thoroughly investigated this matter previously.” “Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa’s characterization of events, but we are committed to following the appropriate process and not
2025-04-10Feder: Dismissal of defamation suit doesn't end legal claims against Eric Ferguson, The Mix --> 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. In a complaint filed with the U.S. 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. She also described a pattern of abuse against women at the station by Ferguson. In response, Jeff England, vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, sent an email to staff - published here - that read in part: "This is not a new development, and we've thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events, but we are committed to following the appropriate process and not litigating this matter in the public or the press." 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. Last week U.S. District Court Judge Ronald A. Guzmán rejected McGurren's claim and granted Hubbard's motion to dismiss her suit. In the four-page ruling dated March 1, Guzman wrote: "Taken in context, a reasonable reader would not understand the internal email by England to have been made for the purpose of causing harm to Plaintiff's reputation or lowering her standing in the community, but rather to acknowledge the existence of the EEOC claim, convey to the radio station's employees that the matter is being investigated, and indicate that the radio station does not agree with Plaintiff's interpretation. "Moreover, the email does not discuss any particular factual allegations, and the Court disagrees with Plaintiff's position that by referring generally to Plaintiff's EEOC Charge in his email, England was specifically incorporating Plaintiff's numerous factual allegations and branding Plaintiff a 'liar'
2025-04-15