Watch The Big Picture - The Story of American Forces Network

The Big Picture - The Story of American Forces Network (AFN) is a documentary film directed by Peter McCarthy and narrated by Tom Selleck. The documentary recounts the story of the American Forces Network (AFN) and its important role in shaping the history of the United States military. The film takes us back to the origins of AFN during World War II, when the US Army realized the importance of keeping troops entertained and informed during wartime. The documentary chronicles the development of AFN from humble beginnings, where a handful of soldiers used a makeshift radio station to broadcast music and news updates to their fellow soldiers, to a global media network that reaches military personnel stationed in all corners of the world.

As the documentary progresses, we get a glimpse at how AFN evolved to keep pace with the changing times. In the early days, AFN broadcasts were limited to a few hours per day, and programming was restricted to music and news updates. However, as the Cold War escalated and tensions rose around the world, AFN expanded its programming to include TV shows, movies, and other entertainment meant to provide a sense of comfort and normalcy to soldiers stationed far from home.

As new technologies became available, AFN was at the forefront of adopting them. The film shows how AFN was one of the first media organizations to embrace satellite technology, which allowed them to reach troops stationed in remote locations around the world. The documentary also highlights how AFN was an early adopter of social media, recognizing the importance of engaging with soldiers through online channels.

Throughout the film, we hear from a variety of voices involved with AFN, from historians and media experts to former soldiers who relied on the network for entertainment and news during their time in the military. We also discover some of the challenges that AFN has faced over the years, such as funding issues and the need to balance the expectations of military officials with the interests of soldiers and their families.

Overall, The Big Picture - The Story of American Forces Network (AFN) provides a fascinating look at the history of a media network that has played an important role in the lives of millions of military personnel over the years. The documentary is a tribute to the men and women who worked tirelessly to bring entertainment and information to troops stationed around the world, and an acknowledgment of the profound impact that AFN has had on the history of the United States military.