SCOOP: Staffers at Dr. Phil’s Network Left in ‘Complete Shock’ After Sudden Layoffs

Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP

Merit Street Media, the network helmed by Phil McGraw , popularly known as “Dr. Phil,” laid off multiple staffers unexpectedly on Friday morning, Mediaite has exclusively learned.

A Merit Street Media staffer with knowledge of the layoffs told Mediaite at least 15 staffers from the news division — including “Morning on Merit Street” and “The News on Merit Street” — were let go without reason or a severance package.

The staffer told Mediaite, “These layoffs came as a complete shock to everyone on the staff. We knew changes were happening at the network, but didn’t realize this would be one of them.” They added, “Some people uprooted their entire lives to move here for this job without a safety net and now the rug has been pulled out from under them.”

The Merit Street studios are located in Fort Worth, Texas.

In February, McGraw announced his show, Dr. Phil Primetime , would premiere on the new network and explained the reason he chose the name “Merit.”

“The name of our new network, Merit Street Media, holds a special significance. I chose ‘Merit’ to honor the meritocracy upon which our amazing country was built, and ‘Street’ to represent ‘Main Street’ America. We are now headquartered in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where a brand-new, state-of-the-art broadcast center, spanning over 5 acres, is near completion. Many dedicated ‘Dr. Phil’ team members have made the transition with me, relocating their families to Texas, so we can continue working together, alongside all of you at home,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the staffer opined, “Those left are being told very little. We are understandably nervous and have no idea as to the future of the network.”

Mediaite reached out to Merit Street Media for comment, but did not receive a reply. This article will be updated if we get a response.