Have you ever found yourself wondering how to access the latest politically charged commentary or interviews with prominent public figures? As one of America‘s leading cable news networks, MSNBC can keep you informed on current events with a progressive lens. While Fox News and CNN may be more widely known, MSNBC provides an important alternative perspective.
If you‘re a DirecTV subscriber interested in tuning in to MSNBC‘s signature opinion programming in the year 2024, read on to learn exactly where to find it in your channel lineup. This guide will cover a brief history of the network, walk through the daily shows, and answer common questions to paint a full picture. Let‘s dig in!
A Quick History of MSNBC
In the mid-1990s, tech powerhouse Microsoft and TV titan NBC came together to create a new 24-hour cable news network – MSNBC. It debuted in 1996 as an experimental joint venture blending the digital savvy of Microsoft with NBC‘s news media chops.
The goal was to establish a news brand apart from CNN‘s middle-of-the-road reporting and Fox News‘ staunch right-wing viewpoints. MSNBC would provide perspective from across the political spectrum with both conservative and liberal hosts in the mix.
However, early ratings failed to impress. By 2002, MSNBC trailed far behind competitors in primetime viewership, averaging just 242,000 nightly viewers compared to over 1 million each for Fox and CNN. Leadership tried reshuffling programming and hosts to more firmly establish a partisan point of view as Fox News had successfully done.
Microsoft bowed out in 2005, selling its stake in the struggling network to NBCUniversal. New NBC CEO Jeff Zucker brought fresh ideas, including embracing MSNBC‘s increasing left-leaning identity. As the network doubled down on personality-driven political commentary, ratings began to improve among liberal audiences.
Today the network attracts viewers interested in impassioned coverage of current events from prominent progressive hosts like Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell. Now firmly established, MSNBC provides an important counterpoint in a media landscape dominated by right-wing voices.
Locating MSNBC on Your DirecTV Lineup
In order to access MSNBC‘s programming on your DirecTV service in 2024, tune to:
- Channel 356 for the high definition (HD) feed
- Channel 206 for standard definition (SD)
As an NBC property, MSNBC‘s availability on specific channel numbers is subject to change pending carriage renewal negotiations between network parent company NBCUniversal and DirecTV. But MSNBC maintains wide distribution across all major cable and satellite providers, so any changes are likely to be minor.
With hundreds of channels at your fingertips, finding MSNBC may still prove tricky without consulting your on-screen guide. Use the 356 HD channel position as a starting point when searching alphabetically or by category.
Understanding MSNBC Shows from Morning to Night
One unique factor setting MSNBC apart is its opinion-focused talk and interview shows. While competitors rely heavily on traditional newscast formats, especially outside of primetime hours, MSNBC leverages charismatic hosts across its daily lineup.
Let‘s take a look at the major shows and anchors featured throughout MSNBC‘s schedule on a typical 2024 weekday:
Morning Joe – Hosted by Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, and Willie Geist, this weekday mainstay blends news and informed commentary. Political movers and shakers help set the daily agenda.
(6 am – 9 am ET)
| Show | Host | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Joe | Joe Scarborough | 6am – 9am ET |
| Jose Diaz-Balart Reports | Jose Diaz-Balart | 10am – 11am ET |
| Andrea Mitchell Reports | Andrea Mitchell | 11am – 12pm ET |
| Katy Tur Reports | Katy Tur | 2pm – 3pm ET |
| Deadline: White House | Nicolle Wallace | 4pm – 6pm ET |
| The Beat With Ari Melber | Ari Melber | 6pm – 7pm ET |
| The Rachel Maddow Show | Rachel Maddow | 9pm – 10pm ET |
| The Last Word with Lawrence O‘Donnell | Lawrence O‘Donnell | 10pm – 11pm ET |
The 11th Hour – Stephanie Ruhle helms this late night analysis of the biggest stories impacting politics and more after Brian Williams‘ retirement.
(11 pm – 12 am ET)
This outline provides a glimpse into MSNBC‘s anchor lineup and distinct interview-driven programming spanning from early morning commentary through late night recap. Notable names like Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O‘Donnell headline the network‘s primetime offerings.
Now that you understand the major shows and faces likely appearing across your screen, it’s time take a closer look at MSNBC’s position in the wider cable news landscape. How exactly does it compare to leading competitors in terms of viewership, perceived biases, and areas of focus?
Differentiating MSNBC from Other News Networks
In an average week, around 1.5 million viewers tune in to MSNBC programming. How does this viewership measure up against the top rivals?
Fox News continues its 30+ year streak as the consistent ratings leader. Its primetime audience easily doubles MSNBC‘s, reflecting Fox‘s dedicated conservative following.
However, MSNBC holds its own against CNN, with often less than 200,000 viewers separating their average weekly totals in recent years based on Nielsen data. MSNBC seems to have settled in as the #2 most-watched liberal-leaning cable option behind CNN.
So what accounts for these differences and who tunes in? Here‘s a brief viewership profile snapshot across the "big three" cable news players:
MSNBC – Left-leaning, progressive commentary and interviews – 1.5 million weekly viewers – Primarily college-educated liberals 25-54
CNN – Straightforward news reporting with some panel analysis – 1.7 million weekly viewers – Broader demographic including liberals and centrists
Fox News – Conservative opining and partisanPerspective – 2.7 million weekly viewers – Mostly Republicans over the age of 65
So while MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News may seem interchangeable from afar, their distinct identities, audiences, and approaches separate them significantly. MSNBC remains laser focused on progressives seeking opinion-based context surrounding political happenings rather than just the facts.
Now what about CNBC, another NBCUniversal property? CNBC stands miles apart from MSNBC as a financial and business news network unrelated to partisan politics. Read on to learn more.
How MSNBC Stacks Up to CNBC
If you‘ve ever mixed up MSNBC and CNBC, know that you definitely aren‘t alone. But despite their similar handles, the two NBC channelsCouldn‘t be more different.
CNBC, or the Consumer News and Business Channel, specializes exclusively in market, investing, and economic reporting. The channel targets investors, entrepreneurs, and others focused on finance rather than partisan debates.
In contrast, MSNBC covers political news, social issues, world events, and their wider cultural context from a liberal lens. Unlikely you‘ll find Rachel Maddow breaking down market forces or Jim Cramer discussing election implications on his respective home network.
The Takeaway – Get Your MSNBC Fix on DirecTV Channel 356
For DirecTV viewers searching for MSNBC‘s signature progressive commentary, jetzt remember to tune your dial to channel 356 for the HD feed. Led by popular partisan personalities, MSNBC conveys conviction and passion around current events ignored by Middle of the road reporters.
So don‘t miss out on lively debates, interviews with influencers, and sharp cultural analysis. Add MSNBC to your channel lineup for perspectives over looked on other networks now and into 2024.
