What Channel Is MS NOW (MSNBC) on DIRECTV?
MS NOW is on DIRECTV channel 356. If you still think of it as MSNBC, you're in the right place: the network changed its name to MS NOW on November 15, 2025, and it kept the same spot in the DIRECTV guide. It's included in all four Signature packages, starting with ENTERTAINMENT, so there's nothing to upgrade. Below you'll find the news channels around it, the packages that carry it and how to watch MS NOW away from the TV.
Quick answer
- MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) on DIRECTV: channel 356
- Packages: ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER
- Next door: CNBC on 355
- Streaming-only option: DIRECTV's MyNews Genre Pack includes MS NOW
MS NOW and other news channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Lowest package that includes it |
|---|---|---|
| MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) | 356 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| CNBC | 355 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| CNBC World | 357 | CHOICE |
| CNN | 202 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| FOX News Channel | 360 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| FOX Business Network | 359 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Newsmax | 349 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| NewsNation | 307 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| C-SPAN | 350 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Bloomberg TV | 353 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| NBC News NOW | 4004 | Free streaming channel |
The new name stands for "My Source for News, Opinion and the World." It came with Comcast's decision to spin off most of its cable networks, including MS NOW and CNBC, into a separate company called Versant. That split was completed in January 2026. Weekday staples such as Morning Joe and Deadline: White House carried over with the rebrand. NBC News NOW (4004) is a different channel run by NBC News, which is no longer connected to MS NOW.
Which DIRECTV packages include MS NOW?
| Signature package | MS NOW (356) | CNBC (355) | CNN (202) | CNBC World (357) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| CHOICE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ULTIMATE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PREMIER | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line: MS NOW is in every Signature package, so even ENTERTAINMENT has it. CNBC World is the only channel in this table you'd need CHOICE for.
Cheapest way to get MS NOW on DIRECTV
- Signature packages: ENTERTAINMENT is the entry-level package and already includes MS NOW, CNBC, CNN and FOX News.
- News-only streaming: the MyNews Genre Pack is a smaller streaming lineup that DIRECTV lists with MS NOW, CNN, FOX News, CNBC and Newsmax, plus local channels where available.
- Entertainment-first streaming: DIRECTV also lists MS NOW in its MyEntertainment Genre Pack.
Read how the streaming packs work in our guide to DIRECTV Genre Packs, or call 1-855-690-9884 to compare news lineups at your address.
How to find MS NOW on your DIRECTV guide
- Go straight there: press 3-5-6. CNBC is one channel down on 355.
- Old favorites still work: because the number didn't change, a favorites list you set up when it was MSNBC still lands on 356.
- Search by show: type or say a program name to see upcoming airings and replays.
- Build a news list: add 202, 356, 360 and 355 to one favorites list so you can flip between them quickly.
- Watch away from home: open the DIRECTV app, sign in and search "MS NOW."
Other ways to watch MS NOW
- DIRECTV app: watch the live channel with your DIRECTV login on phones, tablets and streaming devices.
- MS NOW app: the network's own app supports TV provider sign-in on mobile and on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV devices.
- Peacock: MS NOW said at launch that new episodes would no longer stream on Peacock after they air, so don't count on it for current shows.
- Without cable: our older guide on how to watch MSNBC without cable covers live TV streaming services.
Related DIRECTV news channels
- What channel is CNN on DIRECTV?
- What channel is FOX News on DIRECTV?
- What channel is Newsmax on DIRECTV?
- What channel is C-SPAN on DIRECTV?
Want MS NOW plus your local news in one plan? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is MS NOW on DIRECTV?
MS NOW is channel 356 on DIRECTV. It's the same channel number MSNBC used before the name change.
Is MSNBC still on DIRECTV?
Yes. MSNBC changed its name to MS NOW on November 15, 2025. It's the same network on the same DIRECTV channel, 356.
Which DIRECTV packages include MS NOW?
MS NOW is included in all four Signature packages: ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER. DIRECTV also lists it in the MyNews and MyEntertainment Genre Packs.
What channel is CNBC on DIRECTV?
CNBC is channel 355, right next to MS NOW, and it's also in every Signature package. CNBC World is on 357 and starts with CHOICE.
Can I stream MS NOW with my DIRECTV login?
Yes. You can watch MS NOW in the DIRECTV app if your package includes it, and the MS NOW app also supports TV provider sign-in on many devices.
Is MS NOW still part of NBC News?
No. MS NOW is now part of Versant, the company Comcast spun off in January 2026, and it runs its own newsroom. NBC News NOW is a separate channel.
Not sure your package has the news channels you watch? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. Channel numbers and package contents reflect DIRECTV's current lineup and may change. MS NOW, MSNBC, CNBC, CNN, FOX News, Newsmax, NBC News NOW, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.