Dr. Phil McGraw, Emmy award-winning executive producer and host of the daytime hit talk show, “Dr. Phil,” recently announced he will be launching his new MERIT STREET MEDIA cable network next year here in Fort Worth.
McGraw — that’s right he has a last name too — is currently overseeing the finishing touches on this new facility, which is in the northern Fort Worth Alliance area, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. This new state-of-the-art broadcast center, spanning over 5 acres, is in the final stages of construction.
MERIT STREET MEDIA will be anchored by "Dr. Phil Primetime," which is set to premiere on Monday, February 26th, 2024, and air nightly at 7 p.m. CT, according to a release. This is great news for the many fans who continue to write McGraw requesting his advice with their problems and issues. In fact, McGraw says he wants viewer’s feedback on the content that will appear on MERIT STREET.
"As always, the audience will dictate our content because they are our content, and I want my viewer's help in building MERIT STREET,” McGraw says. “I continue my pledge to help individuals, couples, and families have the tough conversations, face the hard realities, and get real answers for the most positive and effective outcome."
But the fans aren’t the only ones following McGraw. Dozens of longtime "Dr. Phil" staffers have already made the move to Texas to continue to work alongside the popular TV psychologist.
For those of you not familiar with McGraw a.k.a. Dr. Phil, he holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, though he ceased renewing his license to practice psychology in 2006.
McGraw rose to fame with his appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the late 1990s. Oprah Winfrey then helped McGraw launch his own program, “Dr. Phil,” in September 2002.
As for the programming on the new network, MERIT STREET will announce its full primetime lineup in the coming months, which is estimated to offer multiple hours of original daily programming, which will include live news broadcasts.
"It all begins and ends with real people dealing with these issues for real, using common sense, fact-based information, and action plans to create results," McGraw says.
To help with this initiative, veteran news and programming executive, Joel Cheatwood (CNN, FOX News) will serve as Chief Operating Officer for Merit Street Media. Announcements on network executives, show producers, cable providers, and additional programming are set to be announced over the next few months.
"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 a statement. "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."
