# Channels

*Article Topic:* [*Channels*](/getting-started/common-topics/channels.md)

## Understanding Channels in NATS

Channels are the primary organization method of content sets within the NATS CMS, streamlining content management. All content sets are published through Channels, which can be easily assigned as defaults to Member Areas and Tours. This setup allows these areas to display content from the designated Channels.

### Functionality

* **Tours**: Display preview videos, thumbnails, and trailers.
* **Member Areas**: Display content based on admin-specified Content Rules, such as which sites, tours, and/or join options a member needs to have a subscription to in order to view content.
* All content sets are published to Channels.
* Channels can be added to any number of Member Areas or Tours.
* Admins have control over what grants a user access to a Channel. 
* A Member Area or Tour's Theme and its Blocks establish the Channels, determining the content displayed to both visitors and members.

{% content-ref url="/pages/84OKOGVfyHcuRl5a5cMH" %}
[Managing Channels](/content-management/channels/managing-channels.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/gsrjt1ryRKjV7FMdca9s" %}
[Configuring Channels](/content-management/channels/configuring-channels.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/CToVZLPD2frIMBYaVo45" %}
[Channel Details & Settings](/content-management/channels/channel-details-and-settings.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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