Key Points
- CNBC is a popular American television network known for its coverage of financial and business news.
- CNBC launched in 1989 and has since expanded globally, reaching a larger audience and covering international financial markets.
- CNBC offers a diverse range of programming, including live news coverage, reality shows, and documentaries, catering to the interests of its viewers throughout the day.
- CNBC World is an extension of the flagship network, focusing on international finances and providing a global perspective on business and financial matters.
DirecTV offers hundreds of channels to its subscribers, and CNBC is one of the most popular among news viewers. Offering the latest bulletins on breaking financial news around the world, CNBC is a great channel to watch for anyone with or without an investment portfolio. Whether you’re interested in the latest financial news or simply seeking the day’s market updates, you should know how to have CNBC at your fingertips. We’ll help you and other DirecTV subscribers pin down the channel number below.
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Pick your choice of ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney Plus. Plans start as low as $4.99/month for ESPN+ only.
Free trial available. Watch 75+ channels, including local channels and special premium channel offers.
Take a 7-day free trial and stream more than 70 channels live. Record your favorites with unlimited DVR.
CNBC Channel Guide
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| CNBC | 355 |
| CNBC World | 357 |
History of CNBC
©Michael Vi/Shutterstock.com
CNBC is short for the Consumer News and Business Channel. It’s an American television network known for its coverage of financial and business news. It launched as a joint venture between Cablevision and NBC in 1989. Its original intent was to cover the American stock market during trading hours. It eventually evolved to include real-time market updates and up-to-the-minute financial analysis for all things money — not just in America, but around the world. As the ‘80s led into the ‘90s, CNBC enjoyed even more rapid expansion.
With the introduction of popular original shows like Squawk Box and Mad Money with Jim Cramer, CNBC had no trouble becoming the go-to television source for investors and the financially savvy alike. Its growth can also be credited to that aforementioned evolution. Over the decade, the network’s coverage extended beyond the stock market to encompass a wide range of financial and economic topics that all could learn from. By the early 2000s, CNBC was able to expand globally. It launched in Europe, Asia, and other countries with a strong presence on the global financial stage.
This move helped the Consumer News and Business Channel reach an even larger audience worldwide — and cover international financial markets more comprehensively to boot. The ‘00s also saw the launch of CNBC’s website, which offered news articles, videos, and live streaming of its TV broadcasts. Overall, CNBC has played a significant role in shaping financial journalism and has become a trusted source for investors, business professionals, and the general public in one. Tune in to channel 355 on DirecTV to see it all firsthand.
CNBC Sister Stations
| MSNBC |
| CNBC World |
| NBC |
| Bravo |
| Syfy |
| USA |
| E! |
| Golf Channel |
CNBC Programming
Mad Money
a hit on CNBC since 2005.©NBCUniversal News Group – License
CNBC’s programming offers a good mix of live news coverage, unscripted reality shows, and documentary programs. This range of shows caters to the diverse interests of CNBC viewers throughout the day. From early morning market analysis to daytime discussions on business trends and in-depth evening coverage, CNBC delivers a comprehensive lineup of financial news and business content in one. Let’s review some of the most popular shows you might encounter on the channel on your average day.
Mornings
CNBC’s morning programming kicks off with Squawk Box, which provides a lively and informative start to the day. Hosted by a team of financial experts, it offers real-time updates on the stock market, economic news, and interviews with CEOs and policymakers. Squawk Box helps viewers stay ahead of market movements and economic developments.
Following that, Squawk on the Street continues the market analysis, providing insights into the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange. It’s a fast-paced show that keeps viewers informed about the latest trading activities. This carries CNBC viewers into the network’s afternoon programming.
Daytime
As the day progresses, CNBC’s daytime programming delves into a broader spectrum of business and financial topics. Fast Money Halftime splits the morning and daytime programming, hence the name. Then, it’s The Exchange — a news program that explores trends in various industries, offering expert commentary and interviews with business leaders.
Power Lunch keeps the momentum going by discussing market movers, earnings reports, and investment strategies. This midday show brings together a mix of experts, analysts, and investors to provide diverse perspectives on the financial world. Then, it’s Closing Bell — marking the end of the day’s trading and the network’s daytime programming in one.
Evenings
In the evening, CNBC shifts its focus to more in-depth analysis and feature programming. Mad Money with Jim Cramer is the most popular standout show on the network, airing since 2005. Mad Money’s charismatic host offers stock advice and investment tips to help viewers make informed decisions. It’s a favorite among many investors.
There’s also Fast Money, which focuses on trading and investment strategies for short-term gains, making it popular among active traders. After the channel wraps up its live shows, it segues into syndicated broadcasts of shows like Shark Tank, American Greed, and Dateline. This takes viewers right back to the next day’s morning programs.
What About CNBC World?
©NBCUniversal News Group – License
Flipping through the channels, you may see another station with the CNBC logo: CNBC World. This station is an extension of the flagship network, but with a distinct focus on international finances. While CNBC primarily concentrates on U.S. financial news and markets, CNBC World specializes in providing viewers with a global perspective on business and financial matters. This makes it a great alternative network for those interested in international markets, economies, and trends.
CNBC World covers the biggest international events and the hottest financial markets from around the globe. It also airs programs sourced from CNBC’s international counterparts, offering insights and analysis from various time zones and regions beyond those in the United States. This alternate programming allows viewers to stay informed about economic developments worldwide as well as domestically.
While not all DirecTV subscribers will have this station, those who do will find it on channel 357 (just two numbers away from CNBC proper). If you don’t see the channel, you can request it by contacting DirecTV and asking to upgrade to a different package that includes CNBC World. Be warned that this will likely raise your monthly subscription price. If it helps you make better investments, then hopefully the added cost of CNBC World will balance out in the end.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©NBCUniversal.
