[Discussion] AFN Now Reaches New Heights: Streaming Milestones and Global Impact

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AFN Now Streaming Service Reaches Unprecedented Milestones

The Defense Media Activity (DMA) and the American Forces Network (AFN) have recently achieved a significant feat with their streaming service, AFN Now. Since its inception just two years ago, the Department of Defense's television streaming app has delivered over a million hours of content to military viewership globally, indicating its rising popularity due to its far-reaching accessibility and handiness.

Kim Antos, the Associate Director of the AFN Broadcast Center, who has played a pivotal role in the expansion and adoption of AFN Now, commended the relentless efforts of the AFN team. "Our tenacity has not been in vain. It is gratifying to see that the military personnel based overseas can enjoy easy access to quality news, entertainment, and high-ticket sports events," Antos made this statement while reflecting on the app's success over the past year.

Rapid Subscriber Growth and New Milestones

Besides the one million hours streamed, Antos highlighted that AFN Now marked another significant milestone this year. Just two years since its launch, the app has garnered an impressive 100,000 subscribers in November. Antos attributes this achievement to the popular demand for simulcasting traditional satellite TV channels. “The live sports and newsreel viewers in, however, the excellent entertainment programming ensures they become loyal members," said Antos.

Following AFN's partnership with the NFL, the network's authorization to stream each NFL game to military audiences overseas gave another spike to the app's popularity. Football enthusiasts from Korea to the Red Sea welcomed this development with open arms. Additionally, AFN Now offered Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels for a tailor-made viewing experience, a feature that quickly became a favorite among the subscribers.

AFN Now's Impact on Military Communities

The smashing achievements of AFN Now go beyond the significant numbers it boasts. Antos emphasized the substantial benefits offered to troop morale, reenlistment, safety, and quality of life by the streaming service. The special partnership with the NFL and the provision of custom-made channels like FAST have considerably enhanced user engagement. This year, AFN Now added another feather to its cap by offering an extra five channels dedicated solely to holiday-themed content, much to the delight of military families stationed overseas.

The streaming app also played a critical role in disseminating timely information regarding breaking news events and community updates. Alongside AFN’s radio streaming app, AFN Go, the app provided access to crucial information on events like natural disasters or high-risk episodes.

AFN Now's Legacy and Future

Applauding the staggering growth of AFN Now, Jim Alexander, Director of the AFN Broadcast Center, praised the team behind the outstanding success of the service. He pointed out that the continual refinement and robust testing of the app have immensely contributed to its success. With over a million hours streamed, it is evident that AFN Now is invariably meeting the distinctive needs of overseas military audiences.

The AFN Now app continues the long-standing legacy of AFN, which has catered to U.S. forces since World War II. As the network's biggest technological advancement since introducing satellite-delivered television in 1997, it effectively embodies AFN's motto of 'We Bring You Home'.

The free AFN Now app is readily available for download and registration at AFN Now Registration for service members, families, and retirees living overseas. The app supports various platforms including Apple iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, Android phones, Android TV and tablets, Amazon Fire, Roku, and smart TVs with app functionality.

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