# Managing Channels

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

Channels give you the flexibility to organize different sites in different ways.  Your setup can be as simple or complex as your use case requires.  When you create a new Members Area, a default channel will automatically be created for it. 

## Example Usages

Here are a few ways you might use Channels in different circumstances.

### Basic Setup

If you just want one collection of content available to all members of your area, you can publish it to the default channel for that area, and you do not need to go through any additional steps.  For instance, if you create a new members area named "My First Site",  a corresponding channel named "My First Site Default Channel" will automatically be created, and any member with access to the "My First Site" area will have access to all content sets published to "My First Site Default Channel".

### Mega Site

If you want to have a network site that allows members to see content from across multiple sites, you can do that too, without needing to publish the content sets multiple times. First, create "My Network Area" and then authorize the 'Default' channel from each of the associated areas in the [Mega Site Member Area's Theme](/content-management/member-areas-and-tours/themes/block-defaults.md#channel), enabling each of those channels for all members that have access to 'My Network Area.'

Find examples of setup [here](/content-management/channels/configuring-channels.md).

### Premium Access by Join Option

By making a separate channel for premium content, you can easily set up an area where all members get access to the content published to the 'Default' Channel for that area, and only authorize the members who joined a specific join option (or options) to see the content published to the premium channel.

Find examples of setup [here](/content-management/channels/channel-details-and-settings.md#target-rules).

### Access for Expired Members

Create a Channel with limited content that expired members can view to enthrall them to renew their membership. Limit showing this channel to expired members only, or show this channel to active members as well.

## Related Articles

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

{% content-ref url="/pages/vomwERcAC9Jx8etBXSPN" %}
[Set Details & Settings](/content-management/sets/set-details-and-settings.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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