American Forces Network (AFN)
The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) is a military broadcasting organization that originated in 1942 during World War II, initially established to provide entertainment to U.S. military personnel. It began with a small station in Alaska, delivering music and radio dramas directly from Hollywood to service members across forty-seven countries. Over time, the service expanded its role to include educational programming, delivering science documentaries and initiatives aimed at fostering cultural diversity among military personnel.
AFRTS broadcasts were subject to approval by educational and sociological experts designated by the War Department, emphasizing a commitment to non-political content. While local stations could air AFRS content or other materials, they were restricted from producing their own editorial commentary or political speeches, with few exceptions. In 1954, the service was officially renamed AFRTS, continuing its mission to provide controlled and informative entertainment to military audiences. The AFRTS plays a significant role in maintaining morale and enhancing the educational experiences of service members, reflecting the values of the military community.
Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS)
Founded: 1942
Type of organization: Broadcasting service for U.S. military personnel
Significance: The AFRTS has sought to entertain, educate, and inform members of the military services through broadcasts that are free of criticism of the U.S. government
The Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) began in 1942, shortly after the United States entered World War II, at a small station in Alaska that provided music from recordings to military personnel stationed there. Its success encouraged the federal War Department to establish its own broadcasting service. AFRS began as a strictly entertainment service, broadcasting music and radio dramas straight from Hollywood to forty-seven countries. Within a few years, however, the War Department’s information and education division insisted on using the service to broadcast educational material as well. These materials included science documentaries and programs designed to promote acceptance of cultural diversity among personnel.
All AFRS broadcasts had to be approved by educational authorities and sociological experts appointed by the War Department, as well as by the Office of War Information. The AFRS was mandated to be totally nonpolitical, dedicated as it was to entertainment and education, and local station operators were free to broadcast anything provided by the AFRS or any wire service. The War Department, however, forbade stations to broadcast their own editorial commentaries or any political speeches, although prepared statements from the State Department were acceptable.
In 1954 the AFRS was renamed the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) and it continued its policy of controlled information.