Dr. Phil may not hold a medical degree, but his ability to make comebacks rivals the most tenacious individuals in showbiz. Just weeks after his streaming venture, Merit Street Media, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the iconic figure is back with a new project: Envoy Media Co., according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Similar to Merit Street, Envoy will feature original programming starring Dr. Phil alongside Steve Harvey. It promises a library of content, including shows like Harvey’s talk show and Nancy Grace’s “Crime Stories.” An Envoy television channel is anticipated to launch later this month, as reported by Bloomberg.
A key feature of Envoy is its aim to allow “citizen journalists” to upload their content to the platform. The company states this initiative will empower individuals to share local news and stories while seamlessly integrating user-generated content on a national scale. While specifics on functionality remain limited, initial impressions suggest potential.
The concept of citizen journalism has been explored numerous times in the social media age. There exists a long list of failed platforms trying to curate such content. Although platforms like Substack and Medium have made strides, they often spotlight professional journalists rather than everyday contributors. In reality, platforms like YouTube and Twitter have proven most efficient in turning local narratives into national discussions. Still, there’s hope that Envoy could unlock something unique in the realm of citizen reporting, despite Dr. Phil’s somewhat dubious history with sensational claims.
Looking back at Dr. Phil’s last venture offers little assurance that Envoy Media will thrive. The streaming service launched in 2024 but only managed to attract an average of 27,000 viewers in its first year, according to The Hollywood Reporter. By 2025, those numbers had plummeted to just 17,000. Even on YouTube, where Dr. Phil boasts a substantial following, Merit Media struggled, amassing under 90,000 subscribers and barely garnering 1,000 views on its latest videos. This isn’t exactly a successful recipe for a standalone service.
Will Envoy Media Co. succeed in supporting citizen journalism?
Success in this venture will depend on how effectively it engages its audience and fosters genuine contributions from citizen journalists.
Can citizen journalism really compete with traditional media?
While citizen journalism has potential, traditional media often has the resources and credibility that can be difficult to match.
What unique features does Envoy Media Co. offer?
Envoy will allow users to upload their news stories, aiming to create a blend of curated user content and original programming.
How has Dr. Phil’s past ventures performed?
Dr. Phil’s last venture, Merit Street Media, faced challenges, including declining viewer numbers and limited engagement on social media platforms.
As you explore the realm of new media ventures like Envoy, keep an eye on how they adapt to changing landscapes. For more insights and updates, journey over to Moyens I/O.