After taking him off the air for the month of October following multiple allegations of harassment from former co-workers, Hubbard Radio Hot AC “101.9 The Mix” WTMX Skokie/Chicago has reached a contract settlement with longtime morning host Eric Ferguson.
Two separate defamation lawsuits have been filed against Hubbard with current “US99” WUSN Chicago morning host and former WTMX morning co-host Melissa McGurren stating that the company defamed her and management “perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as popular morning host Eric Ferguson at any cost.”. Former producer Cynthia DeNicolo sued Hubbard in May stating that Ferguson was responsible for her dismissal 16 years after she stopped providing oral sex and was berated by him in front of other workers and pressuring her to babysit his children. Two other women filed declarations in those previous suits with their own allegations towards Ferguson.
Hubbard Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff England told employees earlier this month, “We have made the decision that Eric will not be on the air through October. We take these allegations seriously and we are confident in the results of multiple investigations we have initiated. But we also owe it to ourselves and our listeners to have a deliberate and thoughtful process about our path forward, and candidly we are not there yet.”
Ferguson and Kathy Hart joined WTMX as morning hosts in 1996. The “Eric & Kathy Show” continued until Hart’s departure in 2017 at which point the show continued as “Eric In The Morning”. Ferguson began his career as an intern and producer at 94.7 WYTZ Chicago before stints at WMMZ Ocala FL, WHXT Allentown PA, WPXR Rock Island IL, WZOK Rockford IL, and KWMX Denver prior to joining WTMX.
Co-hosts Brian ‘Whip’ Paruch, Nikki Chuminatto, Violeta Podrumedic and John ‘Swany’ Swanson remain in place in mornings at WTMX.
Ferguson’s full statement reads,
Many of you have asked if I am returning to the air on November 1st. During the time I have been off the air, I have had the chance to take a deep breath and reflect on my 25 years at WTMX, and take pause to consider what I want to do at this point of my life. The success we’ve enjoyed and the gratitude I feel is overwhelming. I would like to think what we achieved is unique and special in the history of Chicago radio.
For the first time in my career, I feel lucky to have been able to take time away from the daily demands of morning radio. It’s allowed me to reflect, focus on myself, my family, and my health, and gain new perspective and resolve. I feel that returning to the air at this time, in this environment, will be an unfair distraction to my colleagues, and the rest of the morning show members who work so hard.
As a result, and after discussions with Hubbard leadership, we’ve decided it is best that I step away from the show. I’m 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. I am confident that at the end of the day the courts will rule and the right outcome will prevail.
I have not yet decided what’s next for me. What I do know is I leave you in great hands. Whip, Nikki, Violeta, and Swanny are true professionals and the best at what they do. It will be fun to listen to their success. I appreciate all the love and support I have received over the years from current and former coworkers, friends in the media, and most importantly the Hubbard family. But most of all, I want to say thank you to the listeners. I have been extremely touched by your unwavering support and kind messages. It has been the honor and privilege of my life to be lucky enough to be a part of yours. Thank you for helping a small‐town boy from Elburn realize his dreams come true.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com