Dr. Phil McGraw announced the launch of ENVOY Media Co., after the bankruptcy of Fort Worth-based Merit Street Media.
DALLAS — Just weeks after filing for bankruptcy on Fort Worth-based Merit Street Media, Dr. Phil McGraw announced the launch of a new media venture.
McGraw on Monday announced ENVOY Media Co., a new media venture aimed at delivering live news, original entertainment, and interactive content across traditional and digital platforms. According to a release from the company, the new on-air channel will launch nationally later this month.
ENVOY, like its predecessor, will be based in North Texas at a 50,000 square foot broadcast center on a five-acre campus, though this iteration is located in Dallas, according to a release.
Unlike Merit Street, ENVOY said a key part of its strategy will be an app focused on user-generated content. A release states that ENVOY will allow “citizen journalists” to share news from their communities.
As the multi-platform network launches, its content will feature “around-the-clock breaking news, commentary, entertainment, and live sports,” and episodes of “Dr. Phil,” a release states. Additionally, the company has brought in Steve Harvey as a contributor to produce original content.
McGraw is still enveloped in Merit Street’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and a lawsuit against the company’s former broadcast partner, Trinity Broadcasting Network. The lawsuit alleges Trinity Broadcasting saddled Merit Street with $100 million in debt.
Merit Street’s bankruptcy came in the wake of two series of layoffs, in which nearly 80 workers were let go. The media company also lost one of its biggest draws, Professional Bull Riders (PBR), which parted ways with Merit Street just months into a broadcast partnership. PBR alleged McGraw’s company did not pay broadcast rights fees owed to the league.
Great Job & the Team @ WFAA RSS Feed: news Source link for sharing this story.
