AFN Pivots to Digital Streaming, Reducing Traditional Radio Broadcasts

For over eight decades, the American Forces Network has been a lifeline for U.S. military personnel stationed overseas, delivering news, music, and entertainment to bases around the world. On May 1, 2025, the network will scale back its radio offerings, cutting programs like AFN Legacy, Freedom Rock, The Blend, and Joe Radio, along with commercially produced podcasts on its AFN Go streaming service. The move marks a pivot toward digital platforms, reflecting broader changes in how audiences consume media.

This restructuring is not a retreat but an adaptation. The Department of Defense, which oversees AFN, aims to streamline operations while meeting the evolving needs of service members and their families. With the AFN Go app seeing a 30 percent surge in listeners over the past year, logging nearly 480,000 hours of streaming in January alone, the shift underscores a growing reliance on digital tools to keep military communities connected.

The decision to trim radio programs aligns with global trends in media consumption. Traditional radio, once a cornerstone of entertainment, faces stiff competition from on-demand streaming platforms. Younger audiences, including many service members, prefer the flexibility of apps like AFN Go, which offer curated music, news, and sports accessible on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. This mirrors civilian patterns, where digital audio ad spending in the U.S. is expected to hit $13 billion in 2025, driven by podcasts and personalized streaming.

Yet radio retains a unique role for military audiences. AFN’s 24 Eagle radio stations worldwide continue to serve as trusted sources of local engagement and command messaging, especially in remote areas with limited internet access. The challenge lies in balancing these legacy services with the demand for modern, mobile-first experiences. By reducing less popular programs, AFN aims to allocate resources to platforms that reach more users, though some worry this could limit options for those reliant on traditional broadcasts.

AFN’s pivot to digital is part of a broader transformation within the broadcasting industry. The network’s AFN Now app, with over 108,000 registered users and 1 million hours watched in 2024, exemplifies this shift. By March 2026, AFN plans to phase out satellite services for land-based forces, relying instead on internet protocol delivery. This move is projected to save $9 million annually while expanding access to live news, sports, and video-on-demand, tailored to the needs of a mobile, tech-savvy audience.

However, the transition is not without hurdles. Digital accessibility remains a concern, particularly for personnel in remote or underserved regions where internet connectivity can be unreliable. While advancements like SpaceX’s Starlink have improved access on naval ships, bandwidth is often prioritized for mission-critical tasks, leaving entertainment as a secondary concern. Ensuring equitable access to digital platforms, especially for those with disabilities, is also critical, as global regulations like the updated Americans with Disabilities Act and the European Accessibility Act emphasize inclusive design.

For military personnel overseas, media is more than entertainment; it’s a lifeline to home and a boost to morale. AFN’s 83-year legacy reflects its role in fostering resilience and community, from World War II broadcasts to today’s streaming apps. The network delivers not only music and movies but also command messages and safety updates, serving as a strategic communication tool in regions where commercial media may be unavailable or censored.

The shift to digital platforms enhances this mission by offering flexibility and personalization. Service members can stream content on their schedules, whether in a barracks or on a ship. Yet some stakeholders, including veterans’ groups, express concern that reducing radio programs could alienate older personnel or those in areas with limited digital infrastructure. AFN counters that its 24 Eagle stations and the AFN Go app will continue to provide diverse content, ensuring no one is left behind.

AFN’s restructuring reflects a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. By embracing digital streaming, the network aligns with the preferences of a younger, tech-driven military while addressing budgetary pressures. The move also positions AFN to compete in a crowded media landscape, where global streaming giants and social media platforms vie for attention. Success will depend on the network’s ability to deliver reliable, accessible, and engaging content to a diverse audience spread across the globe.

As AFN navigates this transition, its core mission remains unchanged: to bring a sense of home to those serving far from it. The airwaves may be quieter come May, but the network’s digital presence promises to keep the connection alive, adapting to the times while honoring its storied past.