National news focuses on events and issues that impact the entire country or have significant national implications. This can include politics, major disasters, economic news and international events. National news is often viewed as having more significance to the general public than local news, and can influence public opinion and debate. Local news is geared toward the interests and concerns of a specific community, which can include city government news, crime reports and human interest stories.
MSNBC is a 24-hour cable news network that began broadcasting in 1996, originally a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft (Microsoft eventually bought out NBC’s stake in the channel). The network is known for its political leanings towards the Democratic party, which has led to it being criticized by viewers for having a liberal bias. Notable personalities include Morning Joe co-hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, daytime anchors Katy Tur and Nicolle Wallace, and evening commentators Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow.
CNN created a spin-off channel called CNN Headline News in 1982, which later changed its name to CNN2 and then to the orphaned initialism HLN in 2008. It airs news and discussion programs during the day, and replays of SportsCenter at night. It is carried by most cable and satellite providers, and also often appears as blackout filler on ESPN or ESPN2 during major sporting events.
RFD-TV is a rural-oriented cable television channel that is independently owned by Patrick Gottsch through his company Rural Media Group. The channel is carried on most satellite providers and some cable systems, including Optimum, Suddenlink and Charter Spectrum. Its programming includes a weekday agricultural commodities news program called U.S. Farm Report, as well as the daily Rural Evening News and a five-hour news coverage block each night.
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