[1] The vision of the hour-long program was to create a link between the federal government with Mexican society and foster national formation.
La Hora Nacional emerged during a decade when the Mexican government under Lázaro Cárdenas further entered the medium of broadcasting.
Programming on La Hora Nacional has varied widely throughout its history, including classical music, popular music and live remotes from various locations in Mexico; it has also tended to change significantly in accord with larger political changes.
Later decades would add cultural and sport sections, poetry, interviews, and segments that summarized the activities of the President of Mexico.
Currently, 26 of the 32 Mexican federative entities produce their own half-hours; stations in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Oaxaca, Tabasco and Tamaulipas air a second "complementary" half-hour produced by the RTC, as those states do not originate opt-outs.