Weeks after former company files for bankruptcy, Dr. Phil is back with new media venture
Shortly after Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media filed for bankruptcy and sued its distribution partner, the long-time talk show host is forming a new venture, Envoy Media.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Phil McGraw is launching Envoy Media in the Dallas area. Merit Street Media was based in Fort Worth.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Envoy Media will feature user-generated content, “”live, balanced news” and original programs from McGraw and his friend, Steve Harvey.”
The new company will also feature an app which citizen journalists can use to submit stories from their communities.
McGraw’s Merit Street Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 2 in Dallas and also sued Trinity Broadcast Network.
The lawsuit alleges that Merit Street’s business partner, Trinity Broadcasting of Fort Worth, destroyed its television network and forced the bankruptcy declaration.
According to court documents, Trinity Broadcast Network showed an “intentional pattern of choices made with full awareness that the consequence of which was to sabotage and seal the fate of a new but already nationally acclaimed network which has, since its launch in April of 2024, delivered its viewers with cutting edge reports, interviews, and in-depth analysis of national importance.”
Merit Street Media alleged that the network is going off the air because Trinity Broadcasting Network refused to honor its commitment and transfer its “must carry rights” and provide national distribution of programming for Merit Street.
In June the Dr. Phil Show was placed on an “indefinite hiatus,” according to a LinkedIn post by a former employee.