MSNBC is a titan in global broadcasting, providing hard-hitting news, political commentary and in-depth analysis to millions of people around the world.
Known for its progressive perspective and engaging programs such as The Rachel Maddow Show, Good morning JoeAND The night of the weekMSNBC offers 24/7 coverage of U.S. and international events, combining important news and thought-provoking discussions.
As of July 2025, MSNBC ranks as the second most-watched cable news network, with a 96% increase in primetime viewership since January, driven by its focus on major political moments.
This guide provides the latest frequencies to tune into MSNBC on major satellites, including Nilesat, Arabsat, Hot Bird and Thor, along with expert reception tips to ensure a seamless viewing experience. π‘β¨
Because MSNBC fascinates the audience π
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Dynamic coverage ποΈ: Offers real-time updates on politics, business and global events, with shows like The briefing with Jen Psaki AND The night of the week leading the charge.
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High quality transmissions πΊ: HD and SD streaming for clear, uninterrupted images in different regions.
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Global reach π: Accessible via satellite and streaming in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and beyond, catering to a wide audience.
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Progressive voice β : Known for his liberal-leaning commentary, which appeals to viewers seeking informed perspectives on critical issues.
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Spectator involvement π€: Combines news, talk shows and documentaries, with 593,000 average daily viewers in Q1 2025, surpassing CNN.
MSNBC frequencies on the main satellites π‘
MSNBC is primarily a US-based cable network, but is distributed internationally via select satellites, often through regional partnerships or pay-TV platforms such as OSN in the Middle East.
Below is a complete frequency table for tuning into MSNBC or its international feeds (e.g., MSNBC International) on major satellites starting in July 2025. Please note that availability varies by region and some channels may be encrypted, requiring subscriptions.
Frequency table for MSNBC 2025 π
|
Satellite |
Frequency |
Polarization |
Rate symbol |
FEC |
Coverage |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nilesat 201 (7Β°W) |
11938 MHz |
Vertical (V) |
27500 kS/s |
5/6 |
Middle East, North Africa |
DVB-S2, 8PSK, HD, encrypted (OSN News), includes MSNBC segments. πΊ |
|
Arabsat Badr-6 (26Β°E) |
11785 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
27500 kS/s |
3/4 |
Middle East, Gulf, North Africa |
DVB-S2, 8PSK, HD, encrypted (OSN News), part of the pay-TV package. π |
|
Hot Bird 13B (13Β°E) |
12360 MHz |
Horizontal (H) |
29900 kS/s |
3/4 |
Europe, parts of MENA |
DVB-S2, QPSK, HD, encrypted, MSNBC International via pay-TV platforms. π½οΈ |
|
Thor 5/6/7 (0.8Β°β1Β°W) |
Not available |
β | β | β |
Nordic countries, Central/Eastern Europe |
MSNBC does not currently broadcast on Thor satellites. π« |
Key information π
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Nilesat 201 (7Β° west): MSNBC content is available through OSN News, which airs select MSNBC programs (e.g. NBC Nightly News, The Rachel Maddow Show) in the Middle East and North Africa. The 11938 MHz frequency is encrypted and requires an OSN subscription. Ideal for viewers in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
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Arabsat Badr-6 (26Β° east): OSN News on 11785 MHz carries MSNBC segments, encrypted for pay-TV subscribers (e.g. OSN). Popular in Gulf countries such as Qatar and Kuwait.
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Hot Bird 13B (13Β° East): MSNBC International is available on 12360 MHz, part of pay TV packages in Europe and parts of the MENA region. Requires a compatible receiver and subscription to access.
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Thor satellites (0.8Β°β1Β° west): As of July 2025, MSNBC does not broadcast on Thor 5, 6, 7 or Intelsat 10-02. Viewers in the Nordics can explore alternatives such as CNN (e.g., 11265 MHz, horizontal, 25000 kS/s, FEC 3/4 on Thor 5) or stream MSNBC online.
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Note on encryption π: Most MSNBC feeds on these satellites are encrypted and require subscriptions through providers such as OSN or European pay-TV platforms. Free-to-air access is limited.
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Alternative access π: For regions without satellite coverage (e.g. Thor), stream MSNBC via official platforms such as msnbc.com or SiriusXM channel 118 for live audio.
Expert advice for optimal reception π‘
To enjoy MSNBC with pristine signal quality, follow these tips tailored for Nilesat, Arabsat, and Hot Bird:
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Plate size matters π: Use a 70-100cm dish for Nilesat and Arabsat in the Middle East and North Africa. For Hot Bird in Europe a 60-80cm dish is sufficient. In fringe areas (e.g. Southern Europe for Nilesat), opt for a 100-150 cm dish to improve the quality level.
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Precision alignment π§: Align your dish at 7Β°W (Nilesat), 26Β°E (Arabsat) or 13Β°E (Hot Bird) using a satellite tracker or apps like SatFinder. Ensure a clear line of sight from obstacles such as trees or buildings.
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LNB compatibility π: Install a universal Ku-band (9.75/10.6 GHz) LNB for all satellites listed. Check whether your receiver supports DVB-S2 for HD broadcasts.
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Signal optimization πΆ: Target a quality level of 70-98% on the receiver meter to prevent pixelation. Adjust the azimuth, elevation and tilt of the LNB for maximum performance.
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Weatherproof β: Protect yourself from signal loss in rain or snow by securing your dish and using waterproof LNB caps.
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Coverage check πΊοΈ: Check that your location is within the satellite area (e.g. Nilesat for MENA, Hot Bird for Europe) using official coverage maps.
Tuning into MSNBC on your receiver: a step-by-step guide πΊ
Add MSNBC (or OSN News/MSNBC International) to your satellite receiver with these simple steps, compatible with most models (e.g. Strong, Humax, Starsat):
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Access the Menu βοΈ: Press “Menu” or “Settings” on the remote control, then select “Installation”, “Channel Search” or “Antenna Setup”.
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Select Manual Scan π: Choose “Manual Scan”, “Manual Installation” or “Add Transponder”.
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Choose the satellite π°οΈ: Select Nilesat 201 (7Β°W), Arabsat Badr-6 (26Β°E) or Hot Bird 13B (13Β°E). If not available, manually enter the orbital position.
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Enter the transponder details π: Enter the frequency, signal direction, symbol rate and FEC from the table above (for example, 11938 MHz, vertical, 27500 kS/s, 5/6 for Nilesat). Check for accuracy.
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Run the scan π: Press “Scan”, “Search” or “OK”. Select “All channels” for encrypted and free-to-air options. Scanning takes 1-3 minutes.
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Save channels πΎ: Save scanned channels (for example, “OSN News” or “MSNBC International”) to the channel list.
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Fine tuning signal π§: If the signal is weak, adjust the dish alignment and LNB tilt to achieve a quality level of 70-98%. Check cables and connections.
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Test playback πΊ: Select the channel to confirm playback cancellation. For encrypted channels, make sure you have an active subscription and a compatible decryption module (e.g. Conax, Irdeto).
Receiver Tips π:
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Enable “LNB Power” on Strong receivers (e.g. SRT 4950) in the “Transponder” menu.
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For encrypted channels, confirm that your receiver supports decryption and that your subscription is active with providers such as OSN.
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Default PINs (for example, 0000, 1234) may be required; refer to the receiver manual.
MSNBC’s global influence and highlights π
MSNBC continues to shape the news landscape with its bold approach:
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Increase in spectators π: In the first quarter of 2025, MSNBC averaged 593,000 total daily viewers, up 43% from January, and doubled CNN’s primetime viewers with 1.45 million viewers.
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Top shows π€: Features The Rachel Maddow Show (1.918 million viewers at 9pm ET), Good morning Joe (doubling CNN’s morning viewers) e The night of the week with Alicia Menendez, Symone Sanders-Townsend and Michael Steele.
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Global presence π: Through OSN News on Nilesat and Arabsat and MSNBC International on Hot Bird, MSNBC reaches audiences in MENA and Europe, complemented by streaming on msnbc.com.
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Digital dominance π±: Outperform competitors on YouTube and TikTok, with Good morning Joe reaching 1.2 million monthly show downloads.
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Recent changes π: In 2025, MSNBC renewed its lineup, introducing The night of the week AND The briefing with Jen Psaki as shows like The ReidOut.
Global Freqs ensures you have the latest updates for major channels and satellites.
This guide covered receiver setup, scanning techniques, and dish alignment tips.
We’ve highlighted the most popular shows currently airing and shared tips for uninterrupted viewing.
By following these instructions, you can enjoy clear signals and trouble-free transmissions.
For accurate and reliable satellite TV information, Global Freqs is your ultimate resource