Hey there! If you‘re hunting for MSNBC in your DirecTV channel lineup, you‘ve come to the right place. As an experienced tech analyst and cord-cutting guru, I have all the details you need to start watching Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O‘Donnell and Morning Joe on channels 356 (HD) or 209 (SD).
But first, let me give you an overview on the network itself for some context…
A Quick History of MSNBC
MSNBC made waves when it premiered back on July 15, 1996 as a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC. Who expected a technology company and broadcaster getting together to launch a 24-hour cable news channel?
Over 25+ years, through ownership changes and branding pivots, MSNBC has stuck to its mission of delivering perspective-driven news catering to a liberal audience.
Some key dates:
- 2005 – Microsoft exits the partnership. NBC assumes full ownership.
- 2015 – To fight falling ratings, MSNBC shifts from partisan opinion to objective news in daytime slots
- 2019 – MSNBC invests heavily in NBC News‘ global breaking news unit to power coverage
- 2021 – Under NBCUniversal News Group (now NBC News Group), MSNBC continues to trail Fox News and CNN in primetime audience numbers
But enough history. Let‘s get to what you really want know…
What Channel Number is MSNBC on DirecTV Satellite?
I want to save you the headache of flipping through all your DirecTV channels.
Here‘s exactly where to find MSNBC:
- MSNBC HD: Channel 356
- MSNBC SD: Channel 209
So tune to 356 on your DirecTV box for MSNBC in crystal clear high definition. If SD quality works for you, head to 209.
Below I‘ve compiled a handy channel reference guide for MSNBC across major providers.
| Provider | SD Channel | HD Channel |
|---|---|---|
| DirecTV | 209 | 356 |
| Dish Network | 209 | 360 |
| Verizon FIOS | 601 | 1601 |
| Spectrum | 193 | 1193 |
| Comcast Xfinity | 103 | 799 |
| AT&T U-Verse | 212 | 1212 |
MSNBC‘s Programming Schedule: What‘s Airing and When
Wondering what type of news and opinion shows air on MSNBC daily? Here‘s a breakdown:
Morning (6 AM – 12 PM)
The mornings feature straight news updates plus discussions of overnight events. Popular shows like Morning Joe and MSNBC Reports set the day‘s agenda.
| Timeslot | Show Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | Way Too Early | News recap to start the day hosted by Jonathan Lemire |
| 6:30 AM | Morning Joe First Look | Preview of topics coming on Morning Joe |
| 7 AM | Morning Joe | Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski and Willie Geist host roundtable conversations dissecting politics and news |
| 9 AM | MSNBC Live | Multiple hours of MSNBC correspondents reporting live breaking news |
| 12 PM | Andrea Mitchell Reports | Veteran journalist Andrea Mitchell offers in-depth interviews and smart analysis |
Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
The afternoons feature more MSNBC correspondents and NBC News talent reporting live plus analyzing major stories.
| Timeslot | Show Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 PM | MSNBC Live | Continuing coverage and analysis of developing news stories |
| 2 PM | Katy Tur Reports | Host Katy Tur delivers the latest headlines and interviews newsmakers |
| 3 PM | Reports | Additional hours of MSNBC‘s robust reporting team |
| 4 PM | Deadline: White House | Nicolle Wallace provides sharp commentary on political developments |
Primetime (5PM – 12AM)
In the evenings, distinct anchors offer commentary, debate, and investigatory journalism focused largely on politics.
| Timeslot | Show Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 PM | The Beat with Ari Melber | attorney Ari Melber dissects news through a legal lens |
| 7 PM | The ReidOut | Joy Reid passionately contextualizes the day‘s top stories regarding race, justice and other issues |
| 8 PM | All In with Chris Hayes | Chris Hayes brings his intellectual curiosity to wonky policy discussions |
| 9 PM | The Rachel Maddow Show | Maddow is known for her lengthy, researched monologues on the day‘s priorities |
| 10 PM | The Last Word with Lawrence O‘Donnell | O‘Donnell offers fierce liberal critiques of politics and media |
| 11 PM | The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle | Ruhle breaks down complex news before signing off |
How Does MSNBC‘s Political Bent Impact Its Coverage?
It‘s no secret MSNBC appeals to a progressive audience. But in recent years, NBC News leadership worked to balance out partisan opinions with objective journalism.
According to a well-researched New York Times piece from 2016, MSNBC‘s dayside news coverage strives to maintain neutrality but primetime hours still lean decidedly leftward.
Ultimately, MSNBC continues serving a crucial role by providing space for progressive voices drowned out elsewhere. Fox News obviously dominates conservative commentary. And CNN takes a centrist approach while also facing accusations of false balance in the Trump era.
So
MSNBC occupies an essential niche for the many left-leaning Americans seeking news from a liberal perspective.
Speaking of perspective, let‘s get some outside insight on MSNBC…
Q&A With Media Analyst Porter Bibb on the Network‘s Evolution
To dig deeper into MSNBC‘s brand trajectory since launch, I spoke with veteran media analyst Porter Bibb. Bibb shared revealing details on the growing pains MSNBC weathered to thrive as a top news source:
Q: How did Microsoft and NBC‘s original vision for MSNBC differ from what it eventually became?
BIBB: "The cable channel they envisioned was actually going to be called MBC, Microsoft-NBC Cable. It would focus on how the information superhighway and technology was changing business, entertainment, communications. But we did some focus group research showing viewers were more interested in political news delivered from a progressive viewpoint not seen elsewhere on TV. So we switched gears to the news and opinion programming MSNBC has focused on now for over 25 years."
Q: Where does MSNBC go from here? What could a streaming future look like?
BIBB: "MSNBC became very profitable post-2015 by clearly branding itself the left-leaning voice to counterbalance Fox News. But media consumption habits are shifting. The network knows it needs develop Audiences no longer watch news on cable live for 8 hours like decades past. So MSNBC is expanding digitally, moving their talent like Maddow, Hayes and O‘Donnell into podcasts, social video and other streaming venues."
Q: If you could change one thing about MSNBC, what would it be?
BIBB: "The network has faced controversies over anchors like Maddow promoting conspiracy theories that damaged credibility. I would enact even stricter editorial standards around fact-checking and transparency."
So per Bibb, while MSNBC found its niche, the network also recognizes today‘s fragmented audiences require a digital-first, talent-driven approach. More streaming content better meets consumption patterns.
Okay, back to the main focus: watching MSNBC live on DirecTV…
Other Ways to Stream MSNBC If You‘ve Cut the Cord
If you‘ve ditched cable, many streaming platforms also carry MSNBC in their channel packages. Useful whether you‘re a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire or mobile user!
Here are top options with free trial periods:
- DirecTV Stream: Stream 90+ channels on 20 devices – includes MSNBC
- FuboTV: Offers 100+ channels with a sports focus – carries MSNBC
- Hulu + Live TV: 85+ channel package with on-demand libraries – features MSNBC
- Sling TV: MSNBC comes on Sling Blue package. Can supplement with News Extra add-on.
- YouTube TV: YouTube‘s cable alternative has 85+ channels including MSNBC
Almost all streaming TV services provide free trial periods from 5 to 7 days. So test if their MSNBC live feeds and video quality work for you before committing.
But what if you want to keep your existing DirecTV satellite service and are just struggling to locate MSNBC in your program guide? Let‘s circle back to the main question driving this guide…
Locating MSNBC on Your DirecTV Channel Lineup
Maybe your kids set up the satellite box and never showed you where MSNBC lived. Or channel numbers from years ago stuck in your head, but listings changed.
Whatever reason you can‘t pinpoint MSNBC – here are those key channel details again:
- MSNBC HD: Channel 356
- MSNBC SD: Channel 209
So grab your DirecTV remote and navigate to 356 for high-def quality. If standard definition works for your setup or room, 209 also delivers 24/7 news and commentary.
MSNBC serves up an essential mix of straight reporting and passionate progressive opinions. And now you know exactly where to access those primetime hosts like Rachel Maddow dissecting the latest political controversies in segments that often go viral.
Hope this guide saved you the endless channel surfing to find her show along with Morning Joe, The Last Word with Lawrence O‘Donnell and more. But if you have any other questions tracking down MSNBC or navigating DirecTV, don‘t hesitate to reach out! Happy viewing…
