"Dr. Phil" won't be available until fall 2002, but King World Prods. is planning to charge into the marketplace and start lining up stations.
Winfrey's Harpo Prods. will co-produce "Dr. Phil" with Paramount Domestic TV. The companies all declined to comment on distribution.
Last week, Harpo announced in a memo to TV stations that it would produce a "Dr. Phil" show for 2002-03.
One source said there's a clause in Harpo's "Dr. Phil" contract that prevents a TV station from scheduling the show directly opposite "Oprah."
- Reuters/Variety