AFN Movie

Last updated
AFN Movie
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaUnited States military bases
Headquarters Riverside, California, U.S.
Programming
Language
  • English
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Ownership
Owner American Forces Network
Sister channels
History
LaunchedSeptember 2, 2004;21 years ago (2004-09-02)
ClosedMarch 22, 2026;3 months' time (2026-03-22)
Links
Website MyAFN
Availability limited to U.S. military personnel in military bases
Streaming media
Affiliated Streaming ServiceAFN Now

AFN Movie is a channel showcasing movies as well as film-oriented programming.

History

In January 2003, AFN announced the creation of AFN Family and AFN Movie, scheduled to start in December 2003. [1] The launch of the two channels were delayed for technical reasons; [2] and were announced in August 2004 to start on September 3; meanwhile, the channel had launched on satellites as a placeholder until the scheduled date. [3] Broadcasts started de facto on September 2, but de jure on September 3; however, it still held provisional broadcasts for the length of the 2004 Summer Olympics, relaying events seen on CNBC and MSNBC. [4]

From the outset of the channel, it aimed a predominantly adult audience. Like the other channels of the AFN network, it aired a mix of new releases (available two years after theatrical release) and "traditional classics". [1] Usually, movies started off the clock (outside of :00 and :30) and some airing blocks were filled with programs related to movie releases and reviews seen on stateside television. [5]

In 2017, in line with other AFN networks, it converted to high definition. [6]

The channel is scheduled to close in March 2026. [7]

References

  1. 1 2 Emert, Rick (17 January 2003). "Watch for 2 new AFN channels". Stars and Stripes . Archived from the original on 19 July 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  2. Dougherty, Kevin (9 November 2003). "AFN to delay start of 2 new TV channels". Stars and Stripes. Archived from the original on 19 July 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  3. Little, Vince (12 August 2004). "AFN set to air Olympics, add family and movie services, expand Spectrum". Stars and Stripes. Archived from the original on 2024-04-24. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  4. New AFN channels first get Olympics
  5. "AFN Family Schedule" (PDF). The Kwajalein Hourglass: Volume 45. March 30, 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 15, 2017. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  6. Svan, Jennifer (28 March 2017). "AFN to go high-definition by end of year after years of delay". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  7. "AFN to reduce satellite services in 2026; streaming option available now". www.army.mil. 6 March 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.