I am receiving multiple tips on layoffs at Dr. Phil McGraw’s Merit Street Media national network based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
UPDATE
I am hearing cuts of 40 to 60 staffers, with anchors and executive producers surviving layoffs. The Dr. Phil show producers will work to fill in the gap in the news department.
"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," a Merit Street spokesperson told Deadline. "We are confidently getting better at what we do. 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."
The cuts are coming from the news department, which produces “Morning on Merit Street” and the evening newscast “The News on Merit Street."
Dominique Sachse and Kris Gutierrez, the former KPRC 2 Houston evening anchor team, are on the network, which debuted earlier this year.
I emailed PR representatives with Merit Street Media about the alleged layoffs but have not heard back.
- Dominique Sachse answers Dr. Phil questions
- Haddie Djemal joins Dr. Phil's Merit Street Media
- Dominique Sachse talks Dr Phil news launch
- Sonia Azad joins Merit Street Media after WFAA 8
