News

Sean Combs may be awaiting sentencing on federal charges, but according to recent news, his music career isn’t waiting for parole. In a surprising new update in the Diddy case, the rapper is allegedly working on new music from behind bars, and he’s teaming up with none other than Kanye West, aka Ye. Who, by the way, has been a constant supporter of the artist in an industry where most people have turned away from him.

Industry insiders and leaked audio snippets suggest that Diddy and West are already deep into the creative process. One such leak, reportedly recorded via jailhouse call, hints that a track or even an entire joint project could be underway. While it might sound outlandish, jail-recorded music isn’t a first. Tory Lanez did it recently, with his prison album, Peterson. And with celebrities often granted more flexibility, it’s far from impossible.

Phil McGraw’s Merit Street Media is in bankruptcy court and is simultaneously suing its distribution partner, Trinity Broadcasting, for breach of contract that the company says led to the chapter 11 filing. But signs that the 15-month-old network was struggling were there well before Merit Street began bankruptcy proceedings on July 2.

In its lawsuit, Merit Street says Trinity Broadcasting — known for its Christian programming, and with a distribution network that reaches about 65 million homes in the U.S. — forced its network, Merit TV, into expensive third-party distribution deals rather than using Trinity’s own network of local stations and provided “shoddy production services” for Merit TV’s programs, among other issues. McGraw’s own Peteski Productions gave Merit Street a bridge loan to cover some ongoing operations, but Merit Street’s precarious finances made securing outside infusions of capital impossible, leading to the bankruptcy filing.

Several attempts to reach Trinity Broadcasting for comment were unsuccessful.

The logo of Radial Entertainment. (Courtesy image)

FilmRise and Shout Factory, two studios that provide a significant amount of content to streaming services, are merging and will rebrand to Radial Entertainment, the companies announced on Tuesday.

The merger comes after Shout Studios was acquired by Oaktree Capital, which decided to change the name of the holding company on Tuesday.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Radial will merge previously acquired Shout with FilmRise to create an indie film and TV distributor with more than 70,000 titles. Garson Foos, CEO and co-founder of Shout, will become CEO of Radial Entertainment, while Danny Fisher, CEO and co-founder of FilmRise, will become executive chairman.

“We have long admired the FilmRise business and its executives, and have held a steadfast belief that a strategic transaction between the companies would create an entertainment business of exciting scale,” Foos said in a statement. “This is...

Exclusive: Los Angeles-based health Oaktree Capital Management is following its 2023 acquisition of Shout! Studios with a deal for FilmRise, a leading indie distributor of digital streaming content.

Shout! recently acquired Gravitas Ventures. Oaktree, which is on the way to amassing one of the largest independent library catalogs in the industry with about 70,000 movies and episodes, will fold its growing media footprint into a new holding company called Radial Entertainment. Garson Foos, CEO and co-founder of Shout! Studios, will become CEO of Radial Entertainment and Danny Fisher, CEO and co-founder of FilmRise, will become Executive Chairman.

Jared Frandle, Managing Director for Oaktree’s Special Situations strategy, tells Deadline the firm will continue to invest across M&a, content partnerships and expansion of digital streaming channels. The three executives called the merger of FilmRise and Shout! strong on industrial logic with unique and complementary capabilities, assets, and expertise “that interlock to create a complete,...

Paramount’s free streaming service, Pluto TV, has revealed its July highlights. The Pluto TV July 2025 lineup includes blockbuster movies, big TV moments, and a few festive surprises.

July brings the next wave of Summer of Cinema titles, live Big Brother feeds straight from the house, and Christmas in July, featuring cheerful programming across multiple channels throughout the month.

Clueless Pluto TV July 2025 Highlights

Summer Of Cinema

Pluto TV’s Summer of Cinema programming initiative rolls into its second month with an impressive lineup of blockbusters, cult classics, and franchise favorites. The tentpole initiative features hundreds of fan-favorite films spanning action, drama, comedy, and sci-fi, with new popular titles being added throughout the season.

Special Events and Programming Highlights:

Clueless 30th Anniversary Celebration: The beloved ’90s classic gets the royal treatment this month in honor of its milestone anniversary. Clueless is available on-demand throughout July, with special programming events including...

For years, Spotify and Apple have published their own charts showing best-performing podcasts. As a result, when new podcasts debut or older podcasts see a notable spike in listenership, those companies are often cited in articles, simply because they’re the ones providing the data.

YouTube, it seems, is no longer willing to be left out–especially with 1 billion people listening to podcast content on its platform each month.

This morning, as a followup to its annual Brandcast presentation, it revealed the launch of its own weekly podcast charts.

Called Weekly Top Podcast Shows, the chart will update each Wednesday, showing the top 100 podcasts on YouTube by U.S. watch time.

Unsurprisingly, YouTube’s first chart showed The Joe Rogan Experience is its #1 podcast, followed by Kill Tony, Rotten Mango, 48 Hours, The MeidasTouch Podcast, and H3 Show. (More below.)

“Our Weekly Top Podcast Shows chart recognizes and celebrates top...

“Saturday Night Live” regular Sarah Sherman admitted she “felt terrible” when “The White Lotus” star Aimee Lou Wood was insulted by the show’s April sketch that mocked the actress’ distinctive teeth.

“I was excited to play her because she’s so iconic, her character is so iconic, and I f–king obviously never meant to hurt anyone’s feelings,” Sherman told Vanity Fair in an interview published on Tuesday. “Never in a million years did I get into comedy to make anyone upset. I feel terrible that anyone would feel bad.”

After the segment aired, Wood objected to Sherman’s portrayal of her somewhat ditzy character Chelsea, which included prosthetic teeth to mimic Wood’s natural smile.

“I did find the ‘SNL’ thing mean and unfunny,” Wood wrote on Instagram at the time. “[It’s] such a shame cuz I had such a great time watching it a couple weeks ago.

A new streaming bundle is entering the marketplace, combining a service for Fox News super-fans with a destination for talk radio, all in one place.

The satellite radio giant SiriusXM is launching the new bundle, which will include its app-only “All Access” plan, as well as a subscription to Fox Nation, for $11.99 per month. That is a 33 percent discount compared to the price of buying each plan separately, with the SiriusXM plan normally costing $9.99 per month and Fox Nation $7.99 per month.

SiriusXM of course has a slew of talk radio options, alongside its lineup of music and sports programming. That includes shows and channels hosted by the likes of Conan O’Brien, Howard Stern and Andy Cohen, but also channels like SiriusXM Patriot and Triumph, which feature shows from Megyn Kelly, Sean Hannity, and Nancy Grace.

Fox Nation includes next-day streaming for Fox News primetime shows, but also includes original programming...

Dr. Phil’s media company Merit TV has named Ken Solomon as its new president and CEO.

The former CEO of Tennis Channel, Solomon says that he and Dr. Phil (his full name is Phil McGraw) go back decades, and yes, they are tennis partners.

Solomon left the Tennis Channel last year, he had been serving in an advisory role to McGraw’s company since it launched. In his new role he will work alongside Merit executive VP and COO Joel Cheatwood on growing the nascent business, which leans heavily on talk, news, true crime and some live sports.

“We talk about the business a lot, how’s it evolving, where’s it going, and we try to look around corners. It’s just a natural function of who we are and the relationship,” Solomon tells The Hollywood Reporter in an interview. “And so as Phil was thinking about the future,...

Veteran TV host Nancy Grace has said the devil would have “to come up through the ice when hell freezes over” before she’d “give a penny” to Casey Anthony for any sort of legal advice. Grace, who hosts the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast, recently spoke with People about the controversial Anthony, who was accused of murdering her two-year-old daughter, Caylee, in 2008 and was later acquitted by a jury in 2011. Anthony recently reemerged on TikTok and Substack, revealing she is now “a legal advocate” and “researcher” who wants to “give people tools and resources that they can utilize so they actually know where they can turn to.” Her TikTok has amassed over 80,000 followers since it launched earlier this month and has seen nearly 5 million views. Grace, who covered the Anthony case extensively, told People she predicted the “Tot Mom” would one day return to the limelight. “I said,...

Fox is now the owner of Red Seat Ventures, which produces audio and visual podcasts for conservative hosts.

Fox hasn’t made any big moves in the TV space since the joint venture streaming service Venu Sports went up in flames. However, that doesn’t mean that the company no longer has an eye on acquisitions. This week, the Fox Corporation announced that it was acquiring Red Seat Ventures, a podcast company that produces audio and video podcasts for conservative audiences. With plans to launch its own streaming service in the relatively near future, this acquisition could be part of the company’s plans for that forthcoming platform or its existing lifestyle service.

Key Details: Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Bill O’Reilly, and Dr. Phil are all clients of Red Seat Ventures. Red Seat will be part of the Tubi division of Fox. The acquisition could bring more content to Fox Nation...

Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson and Bill O’Reilly are going home — sort of.

Fox Corp., the backer of Fox News Channel, where all three of the aforementioned hosts led shows, is acquiring Red Seat Ventures, a digital media company that helps create content for a bevy of news personalities who have gone independent.

The move appears to be aimed at bolstering Tubi, Fox’s free, ad-supported streaming outlet. Red Seat Ventures will operate as a standalone unit of Tubi Medi Group, and Paul Cheesbrough, CEO of that operation, was named Red Seat Ventures’ chairman. Founding partners Chris Balfe and Kevin Balfe will continue to lead the business. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

“From the beginning, Red Seat Ventures has had the opportunity to work with some of the most influential creators in the world to grow their new media businesses and develop their personal brands,” said Chris Balfe,...

In a major podcast and digital media deal that shakes up the landscape, Fox Corp. has acquired Red Seat Ventures.

Res Seat Ventures produces audio and video podcasts and other programming with talent that includes a slew of former Fox and cable news stars.

Among Red Seat’s clients are Megyn Kelly, whose show streams on YouTube and runs on SiriusXM, and Tucker Carlson, who was ousted by Fox two years ago. Another former Fox host, Bill O’Reilly, is also a client, as is Dr. Phil. Former CNN host Piers Morgan and former Hln host Nancy Grace are also clients of Red Seat.

Founded by Chris Balfe and his brother Kevin Balfe, Red Seat provides production, distribution, branding and sales services for creators, with a particular emphasis on right-leaning politics and true crime (former To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen is also a client, and the company produces the...

Bill Maher — comedian, political commentator, and host of the “Real Time with Bill Maher” show on HBO — joins Megyn Kelly today (May 21) on “The Megyn Kelly Show.”

Hear their conversation first on Triumph (Ch. 111) when the new episode airs at 12pm Et. Stream it in full on the SiriusXM app anytime after its premiere.

Common-Sense TalkHome of “The Megyn Kelly Show”Listen on the App

Listen on the App

“We have a guest on today for the first time ever who has thoughts on the lawfare playing out in the 2024 race with former president Trump and so many more issues. Bill Maher. He’s here,” Megyn — who has previously been a guest on Bill’s show — said during her “Daily Update” video. “He’s one of the most interesting thinkers when it comes to so many issues. Culture, politics, and more. His very first time on ‘The Mk Show.'...

Premiere Networks and media executive and consultant Buzz Knight today announced a partnership that will bring the popular podcast Music Saved Me to iHeartPodcasts’ network of shows, effective Wednesday, January 8.

Hosted by radio and television personality Lynn Hoffman and produced by Buzz Knight Media, “Music Saved Me” highlights how music can be a healing device for the mental health crisis with stories of passion and resilience from musicians who have faced their own personal struggles. Launched in October 2023, the podcast has featured dozens of interviews with a variety of artists across multiple genres and is consistently ranked among the most popular music interview podcasts on the U.S. and global charts. Past guests include Wynonna, Brent Smith from Shinedown, Jelly Roll, Pat Monahan from Train, Dee Snider from Twisted Sister, and many others.

“Music Saved Me” will debut on iHeartPodcasts with a brand-new interview featuring Darryl McDaniels, founding member of the iconic Hip-Hop group Run-dmc.

Sister Wives‘ season wrap-up is a perfect time to sit down with Meri, Janelle, Christine, Robyn, and Kody Brown to ask the tough questions. But after the last few Tell-Alls, Sukanya Krishnan has been under fire for taking it too easy on them. Now, fans think TLC is listening and might replace Suki after people have begged for a new host.

Sister Wives Fans See Signs Sukanya Krishnan Might Not Return

Recently, Sister Wives noticed that there is a shift in the way TLC is choosing to produce the show during Season 19. Seemingly, this leaves room for Kody and Robyn Brown to experience an on-screen fallout by getting hard-hitting questions. Although Sukanya Krishnan has clapped back about how some fans viewed her interviews, now fans think TLC will be moving in a different direction with the Tell-Alls for Season 19.

Sukanya Krishnan – YouTube Why Show Might Get New S19 Tell-All Host

On Reddit,...

It wouldn’t be Chris Rock hosting “Saturday Night Live” without some buttons being pushed, right?

The former cast member returned to host for the fourth time and wasted no time in taking jabs at everyone from Jake Paul to Elon Musk and even Jennifer Lopez. But before he got into all that, the episode kicked off with a cold open led by Sarah Sherman as legal commentator (and rabble-rouser) Nancy Grace. In the sketch, Grace hosts her crime-related YouTube show where she discusses the current circumstances surrounding the alleged United Healthcare CEO shooter, Luigi Mangione, and the internet’s overt infatuation with his good looks. While mainly skewering the support being garnered for Mangione and his actions, the cold open also does a great job of poking fun of social media itself and the cesspool its become.

As with many stand-up comics who host, Rock’s monologue essentially doubles as one of his sets,...

Saturday Night Live jumped right into the top story this week: the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the internet’s obsession with his killer.

The NBC sketch comedy show kicked off its cold open spoofing Nancy Grace’s show Crime Stories, where she dives deep into shocking crimes. And the crime that has been dominating the news this week was the murder of the insurance company CEO. Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, and after a multiday manhunt, his killer, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was arrested on Dec. 9 in Pennsylvania. He has been charged with murder and is currently fighting extradition to New York City.

“The masked CEO shooter has been unmasked and guess what? It’s game over, Luigi,” Sarah Sherman’s Nancy Grace says. “And of course, everyone online celebrated the hard work of law enforcement in apprehending this dangerous criminal. Just kidding,...

“Saturday Night Live’s” cold open took direct aim at the internet obsession about Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of the United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson with a sketch that featured Sarah Sherman as true crime maven Nancy Grace.

“Y’all psychos find him a sex symbol,” Sherman as Grace told the audience in diving into the shocking story of the brazen Dec. 4 slaying in Manhattan of Thompson walked to an investor conference. With over-the-top tabloid delivery Grace observed that Mangione “has women and gay guys hot and bothered,” describing him as “Dave Franco with Eugene Levy’s eyebrows.”

Kenan Thompson appeared later in the sketch as a man on the street who happened to encounter the killer. Interviewing him at the McDonald’s where the alleged killer was caught, Grace asked Thompson’s character “can you believe people were attracted to this sexy slayer?”

To which Thompson replied, “Women love bad boys.

It was YouTube’s Crime Stories with Nancy Grace tonight all over Saturday Night Live’s cold open featuring “health care assassin” Luigi Mangione, as Sarah Sherman and the NBC late-night show took on the fan club the killer of UnitedHealthCare’s CEO has attracted since his arrest this week.

Or, on a week where Donald Trump again provided a whole season’s worth of material, did they?

Mocking the former prosecutor’s long fall or big leap depending on your Pov (from Hln to internet posting over the decades), Sherman’s near impeccable impression of the grating Grace proclaimed: “And of course, everyone online celebrated the hard work of law enforcement in apprehending this dangerous criminal. Just kidding. Y’all, suckers made him a sex symbol!”

“That’s right, the health care assassin Luigi Mangione has got women and gay guys alike all hot and bothered,” Sherman’s Grace...

“SNL” opened Saturday’s show by tackling the thirst surrounding alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione through the lens of Nancy Grace, with cast member Sarah Sherman having a ball with her impression of the crime TV personality.

Sherman delighted in twisting the pronunciation of words as her Nancy Grace appeared outraged by the reaction to Mangione.

“The healthcare assassin Luigi Mangione has got women and gay guys alive all hot and bothered,” Sherman’s Grace said. “I mean seriously? This guy looks like Dave Franco with Eugene Levy’s eyebrows.”

Except instead of “seriously” Sherman pronounced it more like “sry-uh-zlee?”

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Luigi Mangione pic.twitter.com/XvbGSUE2QP

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 15, 2024

“This man is not a sex icon. This man is – and I cannot say this any clearer – a murderer,” she continued, dropping the “u” in that last word entirely.

Sherman’s...

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Whether it's due to a conflict in personality or different expectations of appearing on the reality show, not all the couples on Dancing With The Stars have gone smoothly. It's a tense environment with competitive dancers and small things can become heightened. Oftentimes, the celebrities don't know how to deal with the dancing pros who desperately want to win the Mirrorball Trophy.

These controversial pairings had drama on and off the dance floor, with some feuds and controversy lasting for years. Even when the cameras stopped rolling, these professional dancers and their celebs couldn't stop talking about their dislike for each other and the show.

Hope Solo And Maksim Chmerkovskiy

ScreenRant shared that Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy are among the most controversial DWTS pairings in years. Their feud continued long after they left the dance floor in 2011, with Hope even writing...

On tonight’s episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, the spotlight turns to the Delphi Murder trial, revisiting the gruesome killings of two teenage girls, Abigail “Abby” Williams and Liberty “Libby” German, in 2017. The show looks into the disturbing details of their abduction and murder while hiking near Delphi, Indiana. The case centers on […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: The Delphi Murders Trial...

Tonight on Merit Street Media, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace examines the tragic murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia. Riley’s body was discovered near a lake on campus on February 22, 2024, sparking outrage and a demand for justice. The focus of the investigation falls on Jose Antonio […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Laken Riley...

On tonight’s episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, the show focuses on the disappearance of Suzanne Simpson, a 51-year-old realtor and mother of four from Texas. Simpson was last seen on October 6, 2024, near her home in Olmos Park, following her attendance at a private dinner club party in Alamo Heights. As authorities […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: The Disappearance of Suzanne Simpson...

On tonight’s episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, airing on Merit Street Media, the spotlight falls on the controversial figure of Jodi Arias and her life behind bars. One particular aspect of Arias’ incarceration draws scrutiny: her creation and sale of artwork, with one piece carrying a price tag of $2,500. Grace offers a […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace Covers Jodi Arias Selling Her Art From Behind Bars, Monday Night on Merit...

On tonight’s episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, airing on Merit Street Media, audiences will be brought up to speed on the latest developments in the Scott Peterson case. The show looks at the tragic murder of Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant when her body was found in 2002. Scott Peterson, Laci’s […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Recent Developments in the Scott Peterson Case...

Ken Jautz, a key senior CNN executive who played a critical role in both making the news giant run properly and developing some of its best known personalities, will leave the Warner Bros, Discovery operation by year’s end.

“After 36 years with the company, Ken has decided he is ready for a new chapter,” said Mark Thompson, chairman and CEO of CNN, in a memo sent to staffers Wednesday. He added: “It is difficult to capture the impact Ken has had on our brand.”

Indeed, Jautz, who in his time oversaw the cable network Hln before taking on a key role running CNN’s technology and facilities, during his tenure influenced CNN’s international operations; its infrastructure; and its role in popular culture. Without Jautz, CNN might have had to go off the air during the coronavirus pandemic, and without Jautz, figures such as Nancy Grace and Robin Meade would...

On tonight’s Crime Stories Nancy Grace looks into the disturbing case of Carly Gregg, a 15-year-old convicted of killing her mother and attempting to murder her stepfather. The episode, airing on Merit Street Media, reveals the secret drug-related life that led to the shocking crimes. Grace examines the trial’s revelations, including the motivation behind Gregg’s […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Carlt Gregg...

Tonight, join Nancy Grace as she examines the mysterious death of Ellen Greenberg, a case that has left many questions unanswered. In 2011, Ellen Greenberg was found with 20 stab wounds, and the case was initially ruled a suicide. However, her family has never accepted this conclusion and is determined to have the decision overturned. […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Ellen Greenberg (Thursday Merit Street Media Sept. 26)...

A disturbing case of a teenager arrested for fatally stabbing his mother in the throat will be explored on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace tonight on Merit Street Media. This tragic incident comes just nineteen months after the same boy shot and killed his father, claiming self-defense. Host Nancy Grace will examine the details of […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace Wednesday September 25 on Merit Street Media...

On Tuesday night, Merit Street Media’s Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, is digging into a shocking murder case from Virginia. The episode sees Nancy investigating the case of a Virginian au pair who is charged with killing a man who allegedly stabbed her lover’s wife during a violent confrontation. Nancy Grace examines the intricate details […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Virginia Au Pair...

Nikki Haley will host a weekly series for SIriusXM’s Triumph Channel starting next week and running through the presidential inauguration next year.

The former Un ambassador and South Carolina governor, was the chief rival to Donald Trump for the Republican nomination and later endorsed him.

The show, called Nikki Haley Live, will debut at 8 a.m. Et on Sept. 25.

This will be Haley’s first radio show, and it will feature not only her analysis and guest interviews, but even music and entertainment.

Video of the show also will be available on the SiriusXM app, and the show will be available on major podcast platforms after its premiere.

Vivek Ramaswamy, another GOP contender, signed to host a five-episode series for Fox Nation, set to debut on Sunday.

In a statement, Haley said, “The American people are smart. They’re sick of distractions in DC and noise from the mainstream media.

Tonight on Merit Street Media, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace focuses on the disappearance of Elijah Vue, a three-year-old child whose remains were sadly discovered in Wisconsin after an extensive search that lasted nearly eight months. In this emotional episode, Nancy Grace provides comprehensive coverage of this tragic update, looking into the details of the […]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Elijah Vue...

In tonight’s episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace on Merit Street Media, the spotlight turns to a disturbing case involving 29-year-old PhD student Nicole Virzi. Virzi stands accused of a heinous crime: the murder of a six-week-old baby boy, Leon Katz, and the injury of his twin brother. The incident occurred while Virzi was […]

Tonight on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Nicole Virzi could face the death penalty...

Variety & Rolling Stone’s Truth Seekers Summit, presented by Paramount+, is dedicated to honoring those who prioritize the discovery of truth. Curated by the editors of Variety and Rolling Stone, the collection of panelists at this year’s annual summit showcased a remarkable lineup of documentary filmmakers, political journalists and overall advocates for justice. The event featured thought-provoking discussions and insights from renowned figures such as acclaimed documentary maker Alex Gibney, comedian and host Amber Ruffin, the tireless crusaders behind the “Unsolved Mysteries” series and many more.

Key moments included a panel of political correspondents and anchors comprised of Abby Phillip, Yamiche Alcindor, Katy Tur, Tony Dokoupil, and Geoff Bennett, who discussed the realities and hypocrisies of covering former President Donald Trump. CBS News President Susan Zirinsky also joined the conference to discuss the documentary “We Will Dance Again.” The event concluded with the presentation of the Truth Seekers Award to journalist E. Jean Carroll.

Merit Street Media laid off almost third of its employees on Friday, sources tell Deadline. The move comes four months after the launch of Dr. Phil McGraw’s news and entertainment TV network with Christian-based Trinity Broadcasting cable network as a main distribution partner, putting the new brand in more than 65 million homes on DirecTV and Dish among other able and satellite systems.

Almost 40 employees were impacted by the cuts, sources said, bringing the company’s headcount to about 100 for a close to 30% reduction. As recent hires, the laid-off workers did not qualify for severance and did not receive any, I hear.

“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 said. “We are confidently getting better at what we do. Merit...

The fourth annual Truth Seekers Summit, presented by Paramount+ is only days away, live on August 15th from New York City. In celebration of the event, Rolling Stone and Variety are releasing their third annual Truth Seekers special issue for those who value journalism and documentary filmmaking.

The special issue will showcase interviews with some of the most distinguished professionals in the field. CNN foreign correspondent Clarissa Ward, known for her fearless reporting from conflict zones such as Ukraine and Gaza, shares her insights and experiences. Additionally, filmmaker Jamila Wignot...

With the Truth Seekers Summit presented by Paramount+ less than a month away—August 15th in The Big Apple—Rolling Stone and Variety have added more esteemed names to an already star-studded lineup.

In an era where truth and integrity in journalism are more crucial than ever, journalist and author E. Jean Carroll will be honored with the Truth Seeker Award. This accolade celebrates the extraordinary achievements of journalists and documentary filmmakers dedicated to unearthing the truth, and Carroll’s steadfast commitment to truth and justice is documented (most notably,...

In a year—a critical election year, at that—where the concept of “truth” is tested daily, Rolling Stone and Variety have teamed up again to host the fourth annual Truth Seekers Summit, presented by Paramount+. Taking place on August 15th in New York City, the exclusive invitation-only event will celebrate the journalists, documentarians, creatives, and notable figures in the media and entertainment industry who honor the truth with every fiber of their being.

Featuring a range of keynotes and panel discussions, the Summit will focus on excellence in documentary storytelling,...

Renowned legal analyst and former prosecutor Nancy Grace announced at CrimeCon 2024 Nashville that FilmRise has commenced production on the fifth season of the hit true crime television series Bloodline Detectives, Hosted by Nancy Grace, including the 100th episode of the program. This marks a significant milestone for one of FilmRise’s first original productions as a television studio and streaming network. Grace also revealed that the fourth season of the fan-favorite true crime series has just dropped on multiple streaming platforms across the United States to stream for free on platforms including Tubi, FilmRise, YouTube, and The Roku Channel, among many others.

“I am a victim of violent crime. I have devoted my life to speaking out for crime victims and seeking justice for them. Our series, Bloodline Detectives, joins me in that commitment,” said Grace. “Family and friends of those featured on our show have endured years of uncertainty...

Exclusive: As true-crime continues its rise, CrimeCon, the leading live event for crime experts, professionals and fans, is bringing its content to those who can’t be in the room.

The event, which is taking place in Nashville from May 31 to June 2, has struck a deal with SiriusXM to air a raft of its sessions.

Some 16 of the event’s key sessions will be broadcast exclusively on SiriusXM’s Triumph channel on June 8 and 9.

Speakers at the event include CSI creator Anthony Zuiker, America’s Most Wanted’s John Walsh, Chris Hansen, Nancy Grace, Mark Geragos, Ben Crump, Sean “Sticks” Larkin, Paul Holes, John Douglas and Ann Burgess, who is the subject of Hulu docuseries Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer.

The events that will be broadcast include Til Death Do Us Part – The Epidemic of Love Gone Wrong, featuring Nancy Grace, Silent No More: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives,...

Even Dr. Phil is getting in on TV’s frenzied battle for sports rights.

The daytime mainstay has long been known for doling out common-sense advice without any bull. Now that’s about to change.

Starting in July, a significant chunk of Professional Bull Riders events will be seen on Merit Street Media, the TV outlet launched earlier this year by Phil McGraw, who had previously hosted the syndicated “Dr. Phil” program between 2002 and 2023. As part of a new four-year deal, McGraw’s Merit Street will carry Pbr Teams events; the full schedule for Pbr Unleash The Beast, the sport’s individual competition series; and 50 episodes of “Pbr Now” a news, information, and analysis program.

“I think we’ll bring viewers to bull riding, and I think bull riding will bring viewers to us,” says McGraw in an interview.

CBS, meanwhile, which has broadcast Pbr events since 2012, has extended its...

NewsNation anchor Ashleigh Banfield is set to host this year’s Clue Awards, which will take place on June 1 in Nashville, Tenn., during the annual CrimeCon event. The ceremony, which announced this year’s nominees on Thursday, will also air live on the Law&Crime Network and stream on that channel’s social platforms.

As part of the event, John Walsh will be honored with the “crimefighter of the year” award for his work on “America’s Most Wanted” as well as his help in creating the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Last year’s recipients, the Gabby Petito Foundation, will present Walsh with his honor.

Presenters at the event will include “CSI” franchise creator Anthony Zuiker and Chris Hansen. among the roster of presenters.

As for this year’s “America’s Greatest Detective” award finalists include sonar technology investigative specialists Sandy and Gene Ralston; US Marshals Services Liaison with Ncmec,...

On an otherwise uneventful Friday evening, about 95 million people watched a white Ford Bronco slowly driving down the 5 freeway.

The driver of the car, of course, was O.J. Simpson, the NFL star turned actor and TV broadcaster, and that day he officially was named as a murder suspect in the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

America was glued to their TV sets, with the broadcast networks breaking into their regular programing, and the lone cable news channel CNN having its star host Larry King guide viewers through the action (watch it here).

The chase and subsequent trial (“The Trial of the Century,” as declared by multiple news outlets), with its live cameras in the courtroom, became gripping must-see TV. The not-guilty verdict — handed down at 10 a.m. on a weekday — was watched live by more than 150 million people (on day one of the 1991 Gulf War,...

Call it a daytime double.

Steve Harvey, who has become an almost ubiquitous presence on TV through his host duties of both a daytime talk show as well as the long-running game show “Family Feud,” is teaming up with Dr. Phil.

Harvey will provide production, talent development and other services for Phil McGraw’s new TV venture, Merit Street Media, which expects to broadcast a full programming schedule via a partnership with religious media company Trinity Broadcasting. Harvey will become an equity partner in Merit Street under terms of the new deal.

“Steve and I have been personal friends for over a decade, and it’s always the best experience when we work together,” said McGraw, in a statement. “It’s easy to say that he’s the funniest human I’ve ever met,” he added. “But his kindness and his passion to help others are really unmatched.”

Harvey will...

“The View” host Sunny Hostin revealed on the PBS documentary series “Finding Your Roots” that Nancy Grace is responsible for her stage name. Hostin’s birth name is Asunción Cummings, but she said Grace “struggled” to pronounce it on air and went ahead and changed it to “Sunny” almost immediately after Hostin told her that’s what some of her friends called her growing up. Hostin appeared alongside Grace on Court TV back in the day.

“She struggled, every take,” Hostin said (via Entertainment Weekly). “It was just so crazy. She couldn’t get it. Then she said, at the break, ‘Can I say something to you?’ I was like, ‘Sure.’ She was like, ‘Do you have another name? A nickname?’ And she just kept at it. She was basically telling me, ‘You’re very good at this, but that name is not gonna fly. You need to just go by a nickname.

Sunny Hostin, co-host on The View, was born Asunción Cummings, and during an appearance on Finding Your Roots on PBS, she revealed that she changed her Spanish name after Nancy Grace had trouble pronouncing it on TV.

Hostin brought her legal expertise to television after being invited to share her knowledge on Court TV with Grace. However, Grace tripped whenever she said Asunción and asked Hostin to change it.

“She struggled, every take,” Hostin told host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. “It was just so crazy. She couldn’t get it.”

Hostin recalled that Grace “said, at the break, ‘Can I say something to you?’ I was like, ‘Sure.’ She was like, ‘Do you have another name? A nickname? I don’t know.’ And she just kept at it. She was basically telling me, You’re very good at this, but that name is not gonna fly. You need to just go by a nickname.

Dr. Phil and Nancy Grace are teaming up.

Grace, best known from her days hosting primetime shows focused on crime and justice on Court TV and Hln, will lead “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,” for a new TV network launching under Merit Street Media, the new media company being developed by Phil McGraw with Trinity Broadcasting.

Her new program will be part of a four-hour block that will include two hours of “Cops” and “Jail,” followed by “True Crime: Dr. Phil,” classic “Dr. Phil,” episodes where McGraw investigated headlining cases. YouTube sensation “The Behavior Panel,” which relies on body language and behavioral experts Mark Bowden, Greg Hartley, Chase Hughes, and Scott Rouse, will air weekly shows on Fridays. The new block begins airing February 26, 2024, the premiere date of the new television network.

“Nancy is an unmatched expert and legend in this field,” said McGraw, in a statement. “She is a...

A home invasion and abduction gets stranger and stranger in the trailer for Netflix’s upcoming docuseries, American Nightmare. The three-part film, which premieres Jan. 17, reexamines the unusual 2015 disappearance of Denise Huskins and the testimony of her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, which police doubted at the time.

“My girlfriend, Denise, got kidnapped last night,” Quinn tells a 911 operator at the beginning of the series’ trailer.

“And you didn’t call last night when this occurred?” the receptionist says.

“I was tied up.”

The preview shows police questioning Quinn, who describes a...