The Defense Media Activity (DMA) and the American Forces Network (AFN) have reported a significant achievement with their streaming service, AFN Now. The app has streamed over one million hours of content to U.S. military audiences globally since its release two years ago.
Kim Antos, Associate Director of the AFN Broadcast Center, stated, "It's been a good year for AFN and streaming." She credited the hard work of everyone at AFN in ensuring that America's military overseas have access to high-quality news, entertainment, and sports.
In addition to reaching one million hours streamed, the app achieved another milestone by gaining 100,000 subscribers as of November. Antos attributed this success partly to simulcasting traditional satellite TV channels: "Our audiences come for the live sports and news, but they stay for the fantastic entertainment programming we offer."
AFN's partnership with the NFL also marked a highlight this year. The network received authorization to stream every NFL game to military audiences abroad in 2024. Football fans from regions such as Korea and the Red Sea showed great enthusiasm.
Antos emphasized that their successes are more than just numbers: "AFN content means big benefits for troop morale, reenlistment, safety, and quality of life."
The app provides top-rated entertainment alongside news and sports programming similar to AFN's satellite-delivered services. It offers curated channels (FAST), allowing interest-specific viewing at any time. For instance, during the holiday season this year, AFN Now added five additional channels focused on holiday-themed content.
Interest in breaking news events has also driven usage of AFN Now. Alongside radio streaming via AFN Go, DoD audiences now receive timely updates on natural disasters or security issues.
Antos expressed optimism about future developments: "AFN streaming has an important future and we're just getting started." Jim Alexander, Director of the AFN Broadcast Center, praised his team's efforts: "We're very proud of our team...it's gratifying to see AFN is continuing to meet the needs of our military audiences overseas."
The app builds upon a legacy dating back to World War II when AFN first served U.S. forces. Streaming television represents its most significant technological advancement since satellite TV was introduced in 1997.
Alexander noted that both apps demonstrate successful application using modern technology while maintaining their long-standing motto 'We Bring You Home.' As part DMA component advances goals providing quality information programming free easy download registration process available multiple devices including Apple Android platforms Amazon Fire Roku smart TVs.
Service members families retirees living overseas can access must pass Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System verification before registering more information contact Public Affairs dma.march.afn-bcst-ctr-tv.list.affrel@mail.mil
