| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | United States military bases |
| Headquarters | Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Programming | |
| Language |
|
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | American Forces Network |
| Sister channels | |
| History | |
| Launched | September 2, 2004 (2004-09-02) |
| Closed | March 22, 2026 (2026-03-22) |
| Links | |
| Website | MyAFN |
| Availability limited to U.S. military personnel in military bases | |
| Streaming media | |
| Affiliated Streaming Service | AFN 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
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ New AFN channels first get Olympics
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "AFN to reduce satellite services in 2026; streaming option available now". www.army.mil. 6 March 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
