Dr. Phil’s TV Network, Merit Street Media, Sues Christian Television Giants TBN and TCT Ministries

By The Blogging Hounds In a legal battle that is sending shockwaves through Christian broadcasting circles, Dr. Phil McGraw’s new media company, Merit Street Media, has filed a lawsuit against two of the largest Christian television networks in the world: TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and TCT Ministries (Total Christian Television). The lawsuit accuses both networks…

By The Blogging Hounds

In a legal battle that is sending shockwaves through Christian broadcasting circles, Dr. Phil McGraw’s new media company, Merit Street Media, has filed a lawsuit against two of the largest Christian television networks in the world: TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and TCT Ministries (Total Christian Television). The lawsuit accuses both networks of contract violations, breach of agreement, and unethical interference in broadcasting deals.

The lawsuit marks an unprecedented clash between mainstream media ambitions and legacy Christian broadcasters, and it raises serious questions about who controls the message of morality in America’s media landscape — and how far networks will go to protect their turf.

Merit Street Media’s Mission… and Its Roadblocks

Dr. Phil launched Merit Street Media earlier this year, branding it as a “values-based media platform” that offers family-centered programming, faith-friendly talk shows, and alternative perspectives outside of the typical Hollywood pipeline.

Though not strictly Christian, the network has aimed to appeal to conservative and faith-oriented audiences disillusioned with woke narratives in legacy media.

However, according to court filings, TBN and TCT allegedly engaged in backdoor moves to block or sabotage Merit Street’s entry into key Christian markets, particularly where satellite and cable slots are limited and carefully guarded.

“This is not a case of theological disagreement,” said an insider close to the lawsuit. “This is about gatekeeping, ratings, and money — all under the guise of ministry.”

Allegations of Anticompetitive Behavior

The lawsuit alleges that TBN and TCT violated fair competition laws by leveraging exclusive contracts, spreading defamatory claims, and coercing regional partners to deny Merit Street Media access to shared broadcasting platforms.

While the full legal complaint remains sealed, early reports suggest that distribution sabotage and reputational smears played a role in what McGraw’s legal team is calling “a deliberate effort to strangle a values-driven competitor at birth.”

“They present themselves as ministries,” said media attorney Philip Gray, “but in this case, they allegedly acted like monopolies.”

Both TBN and TCT have declined to publicly comment on the allegations.

Christian Networks or Corporate Empires?

TBN and TCT are among the most influential Christian television platforms in the world — broadcasting to over 175 nations and collectively generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue. Yet critics have long accused these networks of straying from their spiritual mission in favor of corporate expansion and commercialized religion.

This lawsuit appears to validate long-standing concerns that Christian television has become more about empire-building than evangelism.

“Many of these so-called ministries operate more like global brands,” said Christian media watchdog Lucas Reece. “They protect their media territory with the same ferocity as CNN or Disney.”

Prophetic Angle: The Rise of Religious Gatekeepers

The lawsuit also touches on a deeper spiritual issue — the rise of media gatekeepers who claim to speak for God, yet silence other voices that don’t fit their mold.

Revelation 17 describes a religious system in the last days that allies itself with political and commercial powers, becoming drunk with control and influence. While many have interpreted this symbolically, some prophecy teachers believe these kinds of media empires disguised as ministries may be a modern parallel.

“When you have religious broadcasters acting like corporate monopolies and suing to silence others, you’re no longer in ministry — you’re in Babylon,” said Pastor Dale Simmons of Omega Truth Fellowship.

The irony? A secular psychologist (Dr. Phil) is now fighting to bring wholesome, faith-adjacent programming to viewers — while Christian networks stand accused of blocking it.

Is This About Truth… or Territory?

As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: the battle for media influence in the faith space is heating up. Whether Dr. Phil’s network succeeds legally or not, the deeper question remains:

Are Christian networks truly focused on reaching souls — or just guarding their empires?

In a time of deception and confusion, the Church must be more vigilant than ever: truth should never be trademarked, and ministry should never be manipulated for ratings.

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