In November 2023, McGraw announced a new Fort Worth, Texas-based production company known as Merit Street Media, and a television venture of the same name that planned to launch in February 2024; its name is derived from the concept of meritocracy.[3] The network was slated to feature a continuation of his talk show known as Dr. Phil Primetime; McGraw explained that "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", and spoke of "American families and our core values" being "under attack".[4] A number of staff members from the Dr. Phil show relocated to Texas to join the new network.[3]
The following month, McGraw announced plans for distribution via linear television and streaming platforms, and that he had "commitments already exceeding 65 million television homes"—including an agreement with Christian broadcaster Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). Despite the TBN agreement, McGraw stated that Merit Street's programming would not be faith-based.[5]
In February 2024, Nancy Grace joined the network to host a true crime program.[6] In March 2024, Steve Harvey acquired an equity stake in the network, with plans to develop talent and programming for Merit Street.[7]Chris Harrison also joined the network under an overall deal, with plans to produce a show with his wife Lauren Zima, and create and host a realitydating show.[8]
Merit Street launched on April 2, 2024.[9] In August 2024, Merit Street Media laid off approximately 40 employees, representing 30% of its workforce, as part of "ongoing consolidations of departments and roles".[10]
Former Tennis Channel CEO Ken Solomon serves on the board of Merit Street Media as an advisor; in September 2024, it was reported that he had been fired from Tennis Channel by its owner Sinclair Broadcast Group, deeming that his involvement in Merit Street had become a "growing distraction".[11]
Programming
McGraw stated that Merit Street would focus on news and true crime programming. At launch, the channel's original series included the morning showMorning on Merit Street, The News on Merit Street, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,[6] and flagship Dr. Phil Primetime—a continuation of McGraw's syndicated talk show.[5][12] It also carries acquired programming, including reruns of Steve Harvey's previous talk show Steve,[7] and repackaged, themed reruns of Dr. Phil.[6] Media outlets suggested that the network's programming would have a larger emphasis on McGraw's conservative views.[3][4]
In May 2024, Merit Street acquired rights to Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events under a four-year agreement beginning in July 2024, including Unleash the Beast Series and PBR Team Series events not televised by CBS Sports (largely replacing the package previously held by CBS Sports Network). The coverage also included a studio show, PBR Now. Merit Street stated that it would carry a total of 300 hours of PBR-related programming per-year.[13] PBR programming accounted for a major share of Merit Street's audience, with the company stating that it has attracted 2.4 million unique viewers to the channel, and 31% of its total viewer base.[14] However on November 14, 2024, PBR announced that it had terminated the contract (moving the coverage to the PBR apps, YouTube channel, and Pluto TV) amid disputes with the network, which had withheld rights fees.[14] Merit Street Media stated that it had "agreed to work out its differences with PBR in a confidential proceeding which is ongoing", and was "astonished" by the decision to pull its programming.[15]
