Harpo Productions and Paramount Domestic Television To Launch 'Dr. Phil,' Distributed by King World---AllYourTV.com

Harpo Productions and Paramount Domestic Television To Launch 'Dr. Phil,' Distributed by King World

New, Innovative Syndicated Series to Debut Fall 2002

NEW YORK--June 29th, 2001--Dr. Phil C. McGraw, Ph.D., better known to millions as DR. PHIL, the wildly popular psychologist, educator, consultant and best-selling author who appears weekly on "The Oprah Winfrey Show,'' will debut in first-run syndication next year with a series produced by Paramount Domestic Television and distributed by King World Productions, it was jointly announced today by Oprah Winfrey; Joel Berman and Greg Meidel, whose Paramount Domestic Television will produce; and Roger King, whose King World will oversee distribution.

With his no-nonsense, hard-hitting tell-it-like-it-is self-help approach to clarity and truth, the best-selling author of "Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters'' and "Relationship Rescue: A Seven-Step Strategy For Reconnecting With Your Partner,'' achieved national acclaim when he began appearing weekly on "The Oprah Winfrey Show.'' With twenty-plus years of experience in psychology and human functioning, Dr. Phil is also one of the world's most sought-after public speakers.

In making the announcement, Oprah Winfrey commented, "In fifteen years, I've never come across anyone who understood human functioning better than Phil. He knows how to cut to the chase and get to the bottom line of what really matters. He has become America's therapist.''

"Dr. Phil will be a powerful addition to any station's lineup,'' declared Roger King, chairman and CEO, CBS Enterprises and King World Productions. "The marketplace is buzzing about this show, and it will be the most anticipated program to be launched in the Fall of 2002. We can't wait to get out and start selling.''

Joel Berman, president of Paramount Domestic Television, added, "This project exemplifies the value of the Viacom assets as it maximizes the strengths of our various divisions. Quite simply, it's the best marriage in the business. We have the greatest respect for Ms. Winfrey, Roger King and his team, and look forward to creating the next great sensation in syndication.''

Greg Meidel, president of programming for the Division, commented "Dr. Phil is coming into this arena ready to go. His previous three years on ''The Oprah Winfrey Show" make him a proven commodity and the surest bet a station can make. We are eager to start working with Dr. Phil.''

"I can't say enough about the privilege to launch a show with partners like Oprah, Paramount and King World,'' said Dr. Phil McGraw. "I hope America is leaning forward in the Fall of 2002 because it's time to get real, and I mean real.''