As a computer expert with a passion for the latest advancements in digital technology, I’m often asked how to access certain television channels and understand the technology powering media networks today. One question I receive frequently is “What channel is MSNBC on DirecTV?”
To help readers pinpoint MSNBC and distinguish it from its fellow NBCUniversal networks, I‘ve compiled this definitive guide including key details on MSNBC‘s history, programming, and FAQs. Read on to become an MSNBC expert yourself!
The Digital Roots of MSNBC
To appreciate MSNBC‘s current positioning at the forefront of progressive cable news, it helps to revisit the network‘s founding vision back in 1996. Rising media powerhouse NBC sought to bolster its portfolio with a forward-looking news outlet tailored to modern audiences. Meanwhile, tech titan Microsoft possessed cutting-edge digital capabilities but lacked content production experience.
Their solution? Pool resources to launch MSNBC and fundamentally reshape Americans‘ relationship with cable news.
Microsoft brought to the table sophisticated content management systems, intuitive software, and interactive features to engage viewers. These digital tools granted MSNBC versatility in a rapidly evolving media environment.
And NBC offered unmatched news gathering operation across continents along with Television City production facilities to bring stories to life. Expert producers and on-air talent were also vital in making MSNBC appointment viewing.
This fusion of media and tech DNA gave MSNBC pole position to take cable news into the 21st century. And the network has only accelerated its digital innovation and disruption thanks to Microsoft‘s early stewardship.
DirecTV Channel Guide: Where to Find MSNBC
If you‘re a DirecTV subscriber searching for MSNBC, I have good news – the channel is available to all customers with an affordable basic package.
You can find MSNBC on channel 356, right between CSPAN2 and Bloomberg TV. Add MSNBC to your favorites to conveniently access progressive commentary and interviews on the day‘s political developments.
Here is the full NBCUniversal channel lineup with corresponding viewership data:
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number | 2021 Average Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| MSNBC | 356 | 1.1 million |
| CNBC | 355 | 191,000 |
| NBC | 4 | 126,000 |
| Bravo | 237 | 431,000 |
Beyond the basic DirecTV channel bundle, MSNBC is also included in the following add-on packages:
- Choice
- Ultimate
- Premier
So while MSNBC doesn‘t claim the top viewership spot ahead of rivals, it reaches over 80 million households through providers like DirecTV. This allows MSNBC programming to help shape national conversations from a liberal perspective.
And the average nightly audience of 1.1 million viewers positions MSNBC well ahead of not only sibling channel CNBC but NBC‘s flagship network too in terms of eyeballs. Lets dig deeper into the drivers behind this strong viewership.
Inside MSNBC‘s Programming Schedule
A key ingredient across all MSNBC programming is lean integration of modern digital tools to create an immersive viewing experience. This technology adoption strategy traces back to the channel‘s Microsoft origins.
For instance the network‘s flagship opinion program The Rachel Maddow Show utilizes a video wall consisting of dozens of individual monitors. This digital set design enables rapid delivery of graphics, photos and videos to support Maddow‘s nightly commentaries.
Over in NBC‘s Television City studios, Morning Joe anchors utilize social listening dashboard to monitor trending topics on Twitter and Reddit. This real-time feedback allows the show‘s producers to pivot segments based on developing online conversations.
And MSNBC new media properties like The Choice provide interactive timelines, archival footage databases, and other digital-first features to empower viewers. The Choice augments Election Night specials across MSNBC linear television feeds.
Lets explore the signature shows across morning, afternoon and primetime that define the MSNBC schedule:
Mornings Driven by Digital Dialogue
The MSNBC morning block starts off with Way Too Early at 5:30am ET. This fast-paced show hosted by Jonathan Lemire catches early risers up on developing stories and the day ahead.
It then transitions to the network‘s signature morning program, Morning Joe. Anchored by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, Morning Joe blends politics, news and lively discussion much like NBC‘s iconic Today show. This sets MSNBC‘s agenda and influences political discourse each new day.
Behind the scenes, Morning Joe producers monitor Twitter hashtag discussions and Facebook trending topics from a social media command center. This technology equips the Morning Joe team to immediately react to viral stories and emerging online narratives.
In 2022, Morning Joe averaged 1.1 million viewers each weekday morning according to Nielsen—the show‘s best numbers since launching in 2007.
Unbiased Afternoon Programming
After starting off strong with its morning shows, MSNBC turns to rolling news coverage from late morning through mid-afternoon. Andrea Mitchell Reports, Katy Tur Reports and other daytime programs deliver interviews and analysis on recent events free of partisan leanings.
These afternoon hours reach just over half of Morning Joe‘s audience size based on 2022 daily viewership averages. However NBC News resources like correspondents stationed domestically and abroad provide daytime shows immense reporting firepower.
So viewers can rely on MSNBC daytime anchors as unbiased guides through complex world events and political maneuverings in Washington D.C. This straight coverage builds audience appetite for the primetime commentary to follow.
Primetime Powered by Digital Production
When evening hits, MSNBC hands off to its block of personality-driven opinion shows taped at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. State-of-the-art control rooms drive fast-paced production of programs like The Rachel Maddow Show and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.
Maddow in particular has emerged as the face of MSNBC thanks to her unique format combining monologues, guest interviews, and archival footage aided by 3D graphic displays.
This digital toolkit allows Maddow to move fluidly between explanatory journalist and indignant commentator roles. Her broadcasts averaged 2.1 million nightly viewers in 2022—far exceeding MSNBC‘s daytime programming.
So in short, by embracing digital innovation across production aesthetics, social media integration, and interactive viewing experiences, MSNBC continues owning the progressive news space into its third decade and counting.
How MSNBC Differs from CNBC
Given their similar-sounding names and shared NBC pedigree, even well-informed viewers can accidentally conflate MSNBC and CNBC from time to time.
But drilling into the numbers reveals staggering differences between MSNBC and CNBC in scale, audience makeup and impact.
For starters CNBC trails MSNBC significantly in households reached through providers like DirecTV. Based on 2021 viewership averages, MSNBC drew over 5 times as many eyeballs on a 24-hour basis.
| Network | 2021 Average Viewership |
|---|---|
| MSNBC | 1.1 million |
| CNBC | 191,000 |
The gap holds even comparing similar daypart programming—MSNBC‘s Power Lunch at 1PM ET outdraws CNBC‘s comparable Halftime Report by over 300,000 viewers.
Diving deeper, CNBC also caters to more affluent audiences given its subject matter. In fact research shows the average CNBC viewer earns over $100k annually with assets nearing $3 million. MSNBC draws from a wider demographic spectrum in pursuit of its educational and advocacy aims.
This disparity manifests through advertising sales too. MSNBC generated over $350 million more ad revenue than CNBC in 2021 thanks to its larger reach into key consumer brackets.
So in summary, while both owned by NBCUniversal and sharing adjacent channel positioning, MSNBC and CNBC operate almost as entirely separate entities:
- MSNBC delivers news and opinion centered on politics and social justice to a scales progressive audience.
- CNBC analyzes global financial developments for a niche investor demographic.
MSNBC Viewership & Digital Influence
In the battle for cable news dominance and setting cultural agendas, MSNBC firmly holds its ground despite trailing Fox News and CNN in raw viewership statistics.
For perspective, MSNBC finished 2021 ranked #28 among all cable networks for primetime viewership. However they still reached over 85 million households and averaged 1.1 million nightly audience members.
And crucially, MSNB‘s digital properties expanding beyond traditional television prove vital for wielding influence. Morning Joe clips become viral sensations on Twitter. Rachel Maddow podcast episodes get embedded across leading progressive blogs. Meet the Press segments litigate policy on Sunday morning talk shows.
During high-impact stretches like presidential elections, MSNBC also outpunches its weight class thanks to savvy social media engagement driving online chatter.
For instance amidst the chaotic 2020 election week, MSNBC scored #1 ratings among adults under 50 years old—a shocking feat given their also-ran status otherwise among the cable news big three. This demonstrates MSNBC‘s unmatched ability engaging younger digital native audiences critical to effecting societal change.
So by nurturing an exclusive community of impassioned fans and talent across traditional TV and new media, MSNBC exerts cultural influence far beyond its total viewer count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here I‘ll address some common questions surrounding MSNBC to consolidate the channel‘s key details:
What is MSNBC?
MSNBC is an American cable news channel owned by NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast. It was founded in 1996 through a pioneering partnership between Microsoft and NBC. MSNBC provides a mix of technology-powered news, politics and progressive opinion programming.
What political stance does MSNBC usually take?
While not formally associated with any party, MSNBC has developed a strong progressive viewpoint and caters to liberal-leaning audiences. However, all perspectives still receive airtime through interviews and debates.
What are some popular MSNBC programs?
- Morning Joe – morning talk/news show
- The Rachel Maddow Show – primetime opinion and analysis
- Deadline: White House – afternoon news roundup
- The 11th Hour – late night news and interviews
How does MSNBC differ from CNBC?
While both owned by NBCUniversal, MSNBC focuses on news and politics while CNBC covers exclusively business and financial topics. They have vastly divergent programming, target audiences and revenue streams.
How does MSNBC’s reach compare to competitors?
MSNBC lags behind CNN and Fox News in primetime viewership but still averaged over 1.1 million nightly viewers in 2021. And they lead all NBCUniversal stations in viewership thanks to standout programming.
So in closing, I hope this guide has helped demonstrate what makes MSNBC such an important fixture across DirecTV channel lineups and within the broader media landscape. Tune in to channel 356 anytime to get live updates, context and opinions on the pressing stories of our times.
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