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Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How the Picker Wheel Spinner Is Changing Everyday Decision-Making
In today's fast-paced business and educational environments, even small decisions can drain focus. Want to speed through routine choices with fairness and fun? The Picker Wheel Spinner offers exactly that—a digital spin-the-wheel tool that streamlines selection based on randomness, saving time and boosting engagement. Whether you're leading a workshop, running a classroom, or hosting a family event, this tool keeps decisions fair and fast-paced. This digital spinner allows you to input custom options—names, tasks, topics—and spin to select one at random. It updates the classic 'drawing names from a hat' method with an interactive, visual interface, complete with animations and sound effects. You can save wheels, reuse lists, and embed them in presentations or platforms. Use it to randomly assign presentation order or breakout team leads. This brings equity and avoids lengthy debates—making meetings more productive. For more tools that maximize efficiency, check out the TBN article on ChatGPT mobile apps Teachers can randomly select students, quiz topics, or group activities. It's a fun and fair way to engage students, reducing the pressure of being picked manually. Live streamers and podcasters use spinners for giveaways or to choose topics on the fly, making their content more dynamic and interactive. Make everyday decisions—chores, meals, games—more fun and conflict-free. It lightens the mood and injects a sense of play into routine tasks. By offloading minor decisions to a neutral tool, you reduce decision fatigue, helping your team conserve mental energy for big-picture tasks. Incorporating this tool adds a layer of gamification—making mundane choices feel engaging and collaborative. Curious how tech tools improve efficiency? Explore TimeBusinessNews's 10 Essential Software for Thriving Business Owners Head to for a free, user-friendly picker wheel tool. Customize the wheel, choose your spin settings, and embed or save your setup for future use—all with no login required. Use the spinner alongside time management tools or smart reminders to keep your day on track. It pairs well with apps like WorkTime, which helps remote teams track productivity or integrates into larger workflows for organized teams. It's a simple but effective tool in a broader digital ecosystem. Incorporating a Picker Wheel Spinner into your routine may seem playful, but the outcome is serious: less friction, more fairness, and faster decision cycles. Whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or your living room, it delivers equitable results with a twist of fun. Want more tools and strategies to boost productivity and tech efficiency? Check TimeBusinessNews's coverage of innovative solutions like AI apps, software suites, and time tracking systems. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What Happened to Dr. Phil's Cable TV Network? Bankruptcy Report Explained
Dr. Phil McGraw's return to TV through his own cable network, Merit Street Media, made headlines when it launched with promises of bold, viewer-focused programming. But just months after its debut, the network has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing, tied to a financial dispute with its broadcasting partner, has raised concerns about the future of the channel, its shows, and Dr. Phil's primetime comeback. Here's a breakdown of what happened and what it means going forward. Dr. Phil McGraw's ambitious cable TV venture, Merit Street Media, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This development sparked questions about its future. The filing, made in the Northern District of Texas earlier this week, stems from a dispute with its broadcast partner, the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). Despite the financial upheaval, sources say this isn't the end of the road for the network. It certainly isn't for Dr. Phil's media ambitions. The bankruptcy filing is viewed as a strategic move to protect the Merit Street brand, rather than a full shutdown. 'Dr. Phil is deeply committed to the future of the brand and his employees,' said People's source familiar with the situation. They added that McGraw remains 'focused, energized,' and actively engaged with his team. The legal drama began when Merit Street Media filed a lawsuit against TBN and TCT Ministries, Inc. The complaint accuses TBN, which held a controlling stake in the network, of intentionally sabotaging operations. The network alleges that TBN forced it to take on unsustainable debt and failed to make necessary distribution payments — a responsibility TBN had acknowledged in the past. As a result, Merit Street lost its national distribution channels, leaving it with nowhere to air its content. The lawsuit claims TBN's actions resulted in over $100 million in financial obligations and called the conduct 'a conscious, intentional pattern of choices' that ultimately undermined a promising, nationally recognized network. The next chapter of Merit Street Media will depend on the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. Whether the brand can recover from its sudden loss of distribution is also a key factor. The post What Happened to Dr. Phil's Cable TV Network? Bankruptcy Report Explained appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dr. Phil's TV network files for bankruptcy and sues distribution partner
Merit Street Media, the TV network launched last year by talk show host Phil McGraw, has filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors and is suing its distribution partner, Trinity Broadcasting Network. McGraw's company filed the suit Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court claiming Fort Worth-based Christian media firm Trinity, or TBN, failed to meet its obligations to provide studio space and secure TV stations and pay TV distributors to carry Merit. McGraw, who hosted the successful syndicated talk show "Dr. Phil" for 21 years, entered a joint venture in 2023 with Trinity, which agreed to carry Merit on its TV stations across the country and provide production services. But according to the suit, McGraw is funding the struggling venture out of his pocket — shelling out $25 million over six months. The company laid off 40 employees in June and had to terminate its TV deal with Professional Bull Riders after failing to pay its rights fee. Merit Street's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing lists the company's liabilities at $100 million to $500 million. The document, filed in Texas, gives the same range for the value of Merit Street's assets. Like TBN, Merit Street is based in Fort Worth. TBN did not respond to a request for comment on the suit. Merit Street carries "Dr. Phil Primetime," in which the host delivers right-of-center political commentary as well as guest interviews. The program was put on summer hiatus when the June layoffs were announced. McGraw recently attracted attention when the show had a camera embedded with ICE during immigration raids in Los Angeles. McGraw, once a practicing psychologist, became a self-help guru propelled to fame by Oprah Winfrey, who hired him to help prepare her for a libel case brought by the Texas Beef Group in 1996. Since leaving his daily talk show, he has emerged as a political commentator who is supportive of President Trump. Read more: Inside CBS News: Fear, anger and a silver lining after Paramount-Trump settlement Merit also has a nightly newscast and a true crime program featuring veteran legal commentator Nancy Grace. The lawsuit claims Merit's operations were hampered by TBN's contracted technical services, which it described as "comically dysfunctional." Teleprompters and monitors allegedly blacked out during live programs with a studio audience. TBN was using "amateur" video editing software and Merit staff were unable to use phones in the studio due to poor cellphone coverage, the suit added. McGraw's company, Peteski Productions, launched Merit in a joint venture with TBN, which offers religious programming to its TV stations and affiliates across the country. As the majority owner, TBN was required to provide all back office and production services for Merit. TBN was also obligated to cover the cost of distributing Merit's programs on its outlets and pay TV providers, the suit said. The lawsuit claims TBN failed to provide that service, forcing Merit Street to enter its own agreements to get the network carried on TV stations and cable and satellite providers at a cost of $96 million. TBN's failure to pay led to a number of TV stations to drop Merit Street programming. The suit also claims TBN failed to deliver promised marketing and promotional services, only providing minimal social media advertising. TBN missed a $5-million payment to Merit in July 2024, which led the partners to change the terms of their arrangement, the complaint said. Merit became the 70% owner, with TBN taking a 30% stake. But the suit claims TBN still failed to meet its contractual obligations. The suit said that TBN's failure to fund Merit forced McGraw and Peteski to provide $25.4 million to finance the network's operations from December 2024 to May 2025. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Dr. Phil's TV network files for bankruptcy and sues distribution partner
Merit Street Media, the TV network launched last year by talk show host Phil McGraw, has filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors and is suing its distribution partner, Trinity Broadcasting Network. McGraw's company filed the suit Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court claiming Fort Worth-based Christian media firm Trinity, or TBN, failed to meet its obligations to provide studio space and secure TV stations and pay TV distributors to carry Merit. McGraw, who hosted the successful syndicated talk show 'Dr. Phil' for 21 years, entered a joint venture in 2023 with Trinity, which agreed to carry Merit on its TV stations across the country and provide production services. But according to the suit, McGraw is funding the struggling venture out of his pocket — shelling out $25 million over six months. The company laid off 40 employees in June and had to terminate its TV deal with Professional Bull Riders after failing to pay its rights fee. Merit Street's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing lists the company's liabilities at $100 million to $500 million. The document, filed in Texas, gives the same range for the value of Merit Street's assets. Like TBN, Merit Street is based in Fort Worth. TBN did not respond to a request for comment on the suit. Merit Street carries 'Dr. Phil Primetime,' in which the host delivers right-of-center political commentary as well as guest interviews. The program was put on summer hiatus when the June layoffs were announced. McGraw recently attracted attention when the show had a camera embedded with ICE during immigration raids in Los Angeles. McGraw, once a practicing psychologist, became a self-help guru propelled to fame by Oprah Winfrey, who hired him to help prepare her for a libel case brought by the Texas Beef Group in 1996. Since leaving his daily talk show, he has emerged as a political commentator who is supportive of President Trump. Merit also has a nightly newscast and a true crime program featuring veteran legal commentator Nancy Grace. The lawsuit claims Merit's operations were hampered by TBN's contracted technical services, which it described as 'comically dysfunctional.' Teleprompters and monitors allegedly blacked out during live programs with a studio audience. TBN was using 'amateur' video editing software and Merit staff were unable to use phones in the studio due to poor cellphone coverage, the suit added. McGraw's company, Peteski Productions, launched Merit in a joint venture with TBN, which offers religious programming to its TV stations and affiliates across the country. As the majority owner, TBN was required to provide all back office and production services for Merit. TBN was also obligated to cover the cost of distributing Merit's programs on its outlets and pay TV providers, the suit said. The lawsuit claims TBN failed to provide that service, forcing Merit Street to enter its own agreements to get the network carried on TV stations and cable and satellite providers at a cost of $96 million. TBN's failure to pay led to a number of TV stations to drop Merit Street programming. The suit also claims TBN failed to deliver promised marketing and promotional services, only providing minimal social media advertising. TBN missed a $5-million payment to Merit in July 2024, which led the partners to change the terms of their arrangement, the complaint said. Merit became the 70% owner, with TBN taking a 30% stake. But the suit claims TBN still failed to meet its contractual obligations. The suit said that TBN's failure to fund Merit forced McGraw and Peteski to provide $25.4 million to finance the network's operations from December 2024 to May 2025.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Dr. Phil's Media Company Accuses Christian Network of ‘Sabotage'
Merit Street Media, the media company founded by television personality and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, has filed for bankruptcy while suing its broadcast partner for allegedly contributing to its situation-accusing it of sabotage. In the suit, filed with the Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Texas, Merit Street Media claimed Christian network Trinity Broadcasting of Texas Inc. (TBN) "reneged on its obligations and abused its position as the controlling shareholder of Merit Street" to burden the company with over $100 million in debt. "These failures by TBN were neither unintended nor inadvertent," the lawsuit read. "They were a conscious, intentional pattern of choices made with full awareness that the consequence of which was to sabotage and seal the fate of a new but already nationally acclaimed network." Newsweek has reached out to TBN and Merit Street Media outside of regular working hours for comment. Merit Street Media's bankruptcy comes just over a year after its launch as a self-avowed anti-woke alternative to mainstream news outlets. Beyond the alleged actions of its distribution partner, its collapse highlights the difficulties of attempting to break into and compete in the cable television market-a sector which continues to be threatened as customers migrating to streaming services and digital news platforms. Upon officially launching Merit Street Media in April 2024, McGraw said the network would represent a "resource of information and strategies to fight for America and its families, which are under a cultural 'woke' assault as never before." "I love this country and I believe family is the backbone of our society. Together we are going to stand strong and fight for the very soul and sanity of America and get things that matter back on track," his statement read. The company aimed to become "one of the most widely distributed startup networks in modern history," driven by flagship show Dr. Phil Primetime and a broad lineup of shows starring other notable figures, including Nancy Grace and Steve Harvey. Its programming has included McGraw accompanying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during raids in Chicago and Los Angeles, and McGraw's 2024 interview with Donald Trump during the presidential campaign. Merit Street Media is suing TBN over alleged breach of contract, claiming that its former distribution partner failed to deliver on key commitments. Examples alleged in the lawsuit include failing to guarantee Merit Street's national distribution and providing "comically dysfunctional" production services, which left the network without viable means of airing its programming, per the suit. More critically, Merit Street Media claimed that TBN used its position as a controlling shareholder to "to advance its own interests and those of its CEO," and unfairly shift liabilities onto the company. The company is also suing TCT Ministries in the suit, in relation to a $25 million loan it says was originally made to Merit Street by a company "closely connected" to TBN and which TCT took over. Newsweek has also reached out to TCT Ministries for comment. In its coinciding bankruptcy filing, the company reported assets and liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million, according to Bloomberg. Merit Street Media, in the lawsuit filed Wednesday, said: "TBN formed Merit Street as a joint venture and contractually committed to provide valuable services to the joint venture. But TBN then reneged on its obligations and abused its position as the controlling shareholder of Merit Street to improperly and unilaterally burden Merit Street with unsustainable debt, doing so either without notice or in direct violation of promises not to do so." According to court filings, Merit Street Media is seeking unspecified damages from TBN, as well as the cost of its legal fees. Related Articles Dr. Phil Joining ICE Raids Ripped by Illinois AGTexas Breakaway Group Warns US Changes or 'Blows Up'Texas Independence Leader Clashes With Dr. Phil: 'Beyond Belief'Jon Stewart Savages 'Dirty' Dr Phil 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
