CNBC, aka Consumer News and Business Channel. It’s a leading American cable news channel focused on business and finance. The channel provides live market coverage during trading hours. It also offers expert analysis and interviews with business leaders. Owned by NBCUniversal News Group, a part of Comcast, CNBC reaches millions worldwide. Its main office is in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Moreover, it also has a studio at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City.
Beyond business, CNBC covers technology, global news, and sports like the Olympics. Moreover, the Channel is a Complete Source of News. It is a top business news channel and delivers live updates on financial markets and economic trends. CNBC has become a reliable source for investors, traders, and startups since 1989. The channel features global events, technology, stocks, and even sports. CNBC continues to grow in 2025 with the launch of new digital platforms and extensive coverage of major events.
To enjoy your favorite business news channel on LiveNewsNow, hang tight for a few seconds while CNBC’s live streaming gets underway. Thanks for your patience!
History
CNBC began on April 17, 1989. NBC and Cablevision teamed up to start it. At first, it competed with the Financial News Network (FNN). In 1991, NBC bought FNN for $154.3 million. This doubled CNBC’s audience to over 40 million homes. Roger Ailes led CNBC from 1993 to 1996. He helped grow its revenue from $43 million to $110 million.
CNBC went global in the 1990s. It launched CNBC Asia in 1995 and CNBC Europe in 1996. Later, CNBC Africa started in 2007, and CNBC Indonesia began in 2016. NBCUniversal acquired Cablevision’s interest in 2005 and assumed complete control. CNBC was worth $4 billion by 2007. CNBC+ debuted in 2025 as a streaming service, available for $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year. In 2024, NBCUniversal announced plans to divide its cable channels, including CNBC.
Programming Schedule on CNBC
The programming on CNBC mainly focuses on business news. The programming covers market updates from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. However, after that, it also broadcasts sports, documentaries, and reality shows that are listed below:
Squawk Box: Airs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ET. Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin host. It shares morning market tips and interviews.
Squawk on the Street: Runs from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET. Carl Quintanilla, David Faber, and Morgan Brennan report from the New York Stock Exchange.
Fast Money Halftime Report: Airs at 12:00 p.m. ET. Scott Wapner talks about market trends with traders.
Power Lunch: Broadcasts from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. Melissa Lee, Tyler Mathisen, and Kelly Evans cover business news.
Closing Bell: Airs from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Sara Eisen and Wilfred Frost review market closings.
Mad Money: Runs at 6:00 p.m. ET. Jim Cramer gives stock picks and investment tips.
How to Watch CNBC Live?
There are many ways to watch CNBC live. Cable and satellite TV subscribers can find CNBC on providers like Comcast Xfinity or DirecTV. These platforms often have free trials. This lets you try CNBC live streaming for free. However, there is also a CNBC Pro, which costs $299.99 per year and offers exclusive content. CNBC+ was launched in 2025 and provides live and on-demand content for $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year. International viewers can access local versions, such as CNBC Europe, through cable or streaming services like ClaroTV+ (channel 725).
CNBC streaming is available on its website, CNBC.com, and offers articles, videos, and podcasts. It covers stocks, economic trends, and technology. The site includes data on S&P, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100. CNBC’s mobile apps for iOS and Android send news alerts. They let users customize their news feed.
CNBC also has broad coverage on social media. Millions of people follow it on YouTube, Facebook, and X. The channel creates news story shorts and breaking news. Exclusive programming helps CNBC+ enhance its online selection. Insights are offered on demand through podcasts like The Exchange and Mad Money.
Major Event Coverage by CNBC Since Its Start
CNBC has been a top business news channel since 1989. It covers major financial and global events with a focus on markets. Below are the significant events covered by CNBC.
Early Years: Gaining Trust (1989–1999)
CNBC launched in 1989, competing with the Financial News Network. It covered the aftermath of the 1987 stock market crash, focusing on the recovery. In 1991, CNBC bought FNN for $154.3 million. This doubled its reach to 40 million homes. The channel reported on the 1990s recession and scandals, such as the savings and loan crisis.
After launching CNBC Asia (1995) and CNBC Europe (1996), it covered global events. The 1997 Asian financial crisis was a key focus of attention. CNBC reported on currency drops in Thailand and South Korea. It also covered the 1998 Russian financial crisis.
Dot-Com Bubble and Burst (2000–2002)
The dot-com bubble defined the early 2000s at CNBC. It covered the tech stock boom, with shows like Squawk Box giving live updates. When the bubble burst in 2000, CNBC reported on stock declines and company failures. The NASDAQ fell by 78% by 2002. CNBC’s clear coverage helped viewers understand the crisis.
Post-9/11 and Scandals (2001–2003)
CNBC provided extensive coverage of the September 11 attacks in 2001. It covered the closing of the stock market and the 7.1% decline in the Dow upon its reopening. Corporate scandals such as WorldCom’s 2002 bankruptcy and Enron’s 2001 collapse were covered by the channel.
Global Financial Crisis (2008–2009)
The 2008 financial crisis was a landmark for CNBC. It covered the subprime mortgage crisis and the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Shows like Closing Bell gave live updates as the Dow fell 33.8%. CNBC explained complex terms, such as “credit default swaps,” in simple terms. It interviewed key figures like Hank Paulson.
Recent Events (2020–2025)
CNBC covered the 2020 COVID-19 market crash. The Dow dropped 12.9% in a day. The channel reported on stimulus packages and shifts to remote work. In 2024, it covered the U.S. presidential election, analyzing economic policies. In 2025, CNBC focused on the World Economic Forum (January 20–24) in Davos, covering topics such as AI and trade. It also reported on Trump’s January 20 inauguration, discussing market impacts.
CNBC Popular Anchors and Hosts
CNBC is the world’s famous, active, and critical thinkers and reporters. The complete team consistently brings expertise to the channel, making it more trusted and reputable among viewers. Below are some popular hosts and anchors:
Jim Cramer: Host of Mad Money. He’s for lively investment tips.
Becky Quick: Co-anchor Squawk Box. She’s a running journalist with market knowledge.
Andrew Ross Sorkin: Co-anchor of Squawk Box. He’s a well-known financial reporter.
Sara Eisen: Co-anchors Squawk on the Street and Money Movers. She specializes in market news.
Carl Quintanilla: Co-anchors Squawk on the Street. He’s skilled at interviewing business leaders.
Diana Olick: Covers real estate news
Seema Mody: Reports on technology trends.
Steve Liesman: Focuses on economic news
Channel Controversies and Criticisms
CNBC has faced some criticism. Some say it overhyped markets during the dot-com bubble and the subprime crisis. Critics such as Jon Stewart pointed out the sensationalized reporting. Others note a left-leaning bias.
The 2025 launch of CNBC+ shows its focus on digital platforms. The planned NBCUniversal spin-off could bring more freedom. The new company, called “SpinCo,” will include CNBC. This may lead to new branding or strategies. CNBC is also growing physically. It has CNBC-branded stores in U.S. airports, like CNBC News and CNBC SmartShop.