TV News
Dr. Phil media network in Fort Worth lays off nearly 40 staffers
Dr. Phil McGraw
Merit Street Media, the news and entertainment TV network launched in February 2024 by Dr. Phil McGraw, has executed layoffs of employees as part of a "consolidation," according to a company statement.
Just under 40 employees were laid off, estimated by Deadline at nearly a third of its entire staff.
A Merit Street Media spokesperson said that, "following the brief summer hiatus of ‘Dr. Phil Primetime,’ Merit Street implemented ongoing consolidations of departments and roles in efforts to achieve efficiencies at the highest level, which unfortunately resulted in some layoffs."
The layoffs did not include anchors or other on-air personnel such as Dominique Sachse, the high-profile Houston TV anchor who relocated to DFW to co-host the morning show.
Merit Street Media is a cable, satellite, and free over-the-air broadcast media brand which partnered with Christian-based Trinity Broadcasting cable network as a main distribution partner, promising placement in more than 65 million homes on DirecTV and Dish, among cable and satellite systems.
The programming featured nightly show “Dr. Phil Primetime,” plus live news shows and a true crime lineup headlined by Nancy Grace, the one-time crime queen who hosted shows on Court TV and HLN.
McGraw was no stranger to DFW having earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas in 1979. Prior to launching Merit Street, he had a syndicated daytime talk show for 21 years which aired its final episode on May 25, 2023.
That followed a layoff in 2022 as they were going into their 21st and final season, in which 25 staffers were let go in a cost-cutting move.
Numerous former employees were reported to have relocated to DFW to work at Merit Street.
But paring down was part of the company plan, with a goal to eliminate duplication and create a single editorial and production group.
"We are confidently getting better at what we do," the spokesperson said. "Merit will continue striving to create more synergy between all divisions including staff expanding their roles within our live news, original programming, and sports and music endeavors.”
