Dr. Phil Launches Envoy Media After Merit Street Bankruptcy, Legal Dispute

Celebrity psychologist Phil McGraw, known as Dr. Phil, has launched a new media venture called Envoy Media Company shortly after the bankruptcy and legal disputes of his previous startup, Merit Street Media. Envoy Media will offer a mix of live news, original entertainment programming, and user-generated content through a phone app and a national TV channel, emphasizing balanced coverage and citizen journalism. Comedian and longtime collaborator Steve Harvey will produce original content and have repeats of his show featured on the network. Operating out of a Dallas-area broadcast center, Envoy will also leverage AI technology to customize user experiences and advertising. McGraw expressed a commitment to focusing on real people, addressing real challenges, and encouraging critical thinking among viewers. The new company aims to differentiate itself with interactive technology and immersive viewer experiences, building on lessons from the shortcomings of Merit Street Media.