The American Forces Network (AFN) is a field activity aligned under the Defense Media Activity (DMA). AFN negotiates for, acquires, schedules, and broadcasts American radio and television programming for worldwide distribution on AFN, which is the primary means used to disseminate DoD internal communication information to the U.S. Armed Forces serving overseas (including those at sea) as well as to our DoD civilian and military family audiences.  The primary goal of AFN is to deliver uninterrupted 24/7 media services that keep the AFN audience informed and in touch while improving morale and military readiness. 

In May of 1942, the War Department established the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) to get information and entertainment to U.S. troops overseas. In October of 1953 the Secretary of Defense established the Armed Forces Television Activity and in 1954 it was renamed the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). Over the next 60 years, AFRTS/AFN evolved to meet audience needs; added satellite distribution allowing for Direct-to-Home and Direct-to-Sailor capability, expanded radio and television services (8 TV channels and 10 radio services plus Internet radio delivery), quick turn programming, and HD sports.

Learn more about AFRTS and AFN at their website: http://afrts.dodmedia.osd.mil/