Could Merit Street Media Also Be Eyeing International Expansion?

Last year, Phil McGraw known for his daytime talkshow Dr. Phil announced plans to start up his own TV network, Merit Street Media. This new network would form part of a joint venture with Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) covering 65 million homes.

Phil McGraw is set to star in his own program following the cancellation of Dr. Phil in 2023. Other content set to join the line-up include Morning On Merit Street and The News on Merit Street with the network likely to explore TBN's rich archives and instill religious value.

Merit Street will debut on linear TV by February 26, 2024 on DirecTV and Dish and cable systems owned by Charter and Altice, among others. It also intends to distribute the network via various free advertiser-supported television or streaming services, or FAST channels.

As to whether this new network would be distributed in other countries. TBN already distributes film channel Positiv and church channel TBN in these countries so Merit Street Media forming part of this line-up wouldn't seem that far fetched of an idea.

Phil McGraw already has a presence with his as mentioned cancelled medical show, Dr. Phil. If not a TV network, selected content from Merit Street Media will likely surface as a programming block on TBN as seen formerly Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on TLC.