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Dr. Phil Launches New Media Venture After Merit Street Media

DALLAS AREA, JUL 14 – Envoy Media Co. aims to innovate with live news, original shows, and citizen journalism technology after Merit Street Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and sued its distributor.

  • On July 2, 2025, Merit Street Media, a Fort Worth-based company launched by Dr. Phil McGraw in 2023, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and sued Trinity Broadcasting Network for breach of contract.
  • The bankruptcy and lawsuit followed financial difficulties caused by Trinity's alleged failure to provide promised national distribution, saddling Merit Street with over $96 million in debt.
  • Merit Street had layoffs that cut nearly 80 jobs, struggled with low viewership below 50,000 in primetime, and faced operational issues including a malfunctioning app and live show disruptions.
  • Dr. Phil announced the launch of ENVOY Media Co., a new North Texas–based venture with a 50,000-square-foot broadcast center, which will feature original content from McGraw and Steve Harvey, a linear TV channel, streaming, and a user-generated content app.
  • ENVOY plans to launch nationally later this month with breaking news, entertainment, and citizen journalism, aiming to engage real people and address real challenges, reflecting McGraw's stated commitment to authentic content.
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The Hollywood Reporter broke the news in Los Angeles, United States on Monday, July 14, 2025.
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