Dr. Phil McGraw is launching a new TV venture with an assist from one of the biggest Christian broadcasters in the United States.
McGraw’s Merit Street Media, which he announced in November, is set to launch on Feb. 26, with Dr. Phil Primetime — a nighttime talk show akin to McGraw’s long-running daytime show — as its flagship program. Trinity Broadcasting, which owns more than 30 TV stations and has has carriage on several large cable and satellite providers, will help Merit Street distribute its programming; the company also plans to operate free, ad-supported streaming channels and embark on other digital media ventures.
Merit Street Media will not, however, feature any religious programming that is the staple of Trinity’s broadcasting operation.
“We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking journey by creating a network that is not only widely accessible but also a hub for diverse, engaging content,” Merit Street Media COO Joel Cheatwood, a former Fox News, CBS and CNN executive, said in a statement. “With our commitment to delivering high-quality programming across multiple platforms, we anticipate Merit Street will be a trailblazer among networks.”
With the Trinity Broadcasting agreement, Merit Street has secured distribution to about 65 million homes in the United States. Other than Dr. Phil Primetime, the company has not announced any programming despite being less than three months out from its scheduled debut date.
McGraw announced Merit Street Media in November, saying the new venture would offer “essential news and entertainment” to viewers. The company will be based at a new broadcast center in Forth Worth, Texas.
“I absolutely love talking to real people about real problems — people who aren’t just complaining but are actively looking for real solutions to better their lives,” McGraw said in announcing the network. “American families and our core values are under attack. I love this country, and I believe family is the backbone of our society. Together we are going to stand strong and fight for the very soul and sanity of America and get things that matter back on track.”
