What happened?
In a court document filed July 2 in Dallas County, the Fort Worth-based company filed for bankruptcy and is suing Trinity Broadcast Network, alleging a breach of contract. The partnership allowed Merit Street Media to broadcast original and acquired programming for its viewers, according to a previous report.
Shows featured in its initial lineup include:
- "Morning on Merit Street"
- "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace"
- "The News on Merit Street"
- "Dr. Phil Primetime"
- "Centuries Collide"
- "The Scott Rasmussen Show"
According to the lawsuit, Trinity “improperly and unilaterally burdened Merit Street with unsustainable debt” of more than $100 million. Peteski Productions, Inc., a company majority owned by McGraw, provided programming but was not compensated for it, according to documentation. Under the agreement, McGraw would produce 160 new 90-minute episodes of Dr. Phil, which previously ran on CBS.
During the 2024 PBR World Finals in Arlington, Dr. Phil and PBR announced a contract that Merit Street Media would be the official home of bull riding. A Nov. 12, 2024, post on PBR’s Facebook page stated the company and Merit Street Media parted ways due to a breach of contract for Merit Street Media failing to pay right fees owed.
According to previous reporting, Merit Street Media launched April 2, 2024, with a national reach of more than 80 million homes. As of July 8, Merit Street Media’s webpage is still operational.
Trinity Broadcasting Network is a Fort Worth-based company that started in Los Angeles in 1973, according to its website.
- 5501 Alliance Gateway Freeway, Fort Worth
- www.merittv.com