Latest news with #AmericanForcesNetwork
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AFN Launches First New FM Radio Station In Japan In 70 Years
The American Forces Network launched its first new FM radio station in Japan in over 70 years last week, AFN Sasebo FM 93.1. This comes after a decade-long effort to restore broadcasting capabilities to the southern Japanese port city. The milestone marks a significant communications upgrade for U.S. military personnel and Japanese locals who have relied on streaming services since 2017. The new frequency represents an engineering feat in Japan's challenging mountainous terrain. AFN-Pacific deputy director Scott Williams noted that 'standing up a new FM frequency had not been done before by AFN-Pacific anywhere in the Pacific region.' The push for FM capability began in 2014 when Sasebo's AM tower faced severe maintenance issues. Three years later, AFN dismantled the deteriorating structure entirely. 'Our AFN station in Sasebo has a long history of service in that community and has always been one of our most popular stations,' Williams said. 'Since losing their AM tower, the AFN Sasebo station had to rely on AFN's streaming radio service, AFN Go, to keep its audiences informed.' Initial attempts to restore service proved frustrating. AFN-Pacific sourced 1.5-watt mini-antennas from the United States and placed them around the base, but building structures blocked the signals. The technical team then embarked on months of testing with Japanese regulators. Kenneth Burton, who leads AFN-Pacific's technical services, described the unique partnership: 'Working with the Japanese government on getting this frequency has been a unique experience. Nothing like this has been done in the past 70 years.' Japan's Ministry of Internal Communications conducted monthly inspections as AFN gradually increased broadcasting power. The team started at 50 watts and reached 300 watts by March 2025. 'Every step of the way required thorough planning and testing,' Burton said. 'We drove all over the area while testing and despite the mountainous terrain were able to establish a clear signal with a new FM transmitter.' The station's popularity extends well beyond the base fence. Williams recounted how one Japanese listener drove nearly 100 kilometers from Fukuoka just to tune in during testing phases. 'We have a huge shadow audience of local Japanese listeners at each of our stations,' Williams said. 'The Japanese people really value AFN and love listening to our local broadcasts.' Local military leadership championed the project throughout its development. Fleet Activities Sasebo commander Capt. Michael Fontaine emphasized the practical benefits beyond entertainment value. 'AFN programming has long been an important source of news, entertainment, and emergency information for listeners both on and off the base,' Fontaine said. 'The ability to reach the entire Sasebo area during an emergency will improve our readiness and response capability.' Still, the achievement represents just the beginning. Williams revealed plans to expand FM capabilities to other installations across Japan. 'Our work is not ending here in Sasebo,' he said. 'We are looking to bring this great FM broadcast capability to other bases in Japan, and we've begun scouting sites at MCAS Iwakuni and Misawa Air Base.' The new station will broadcast music, news, command information, and emergency alerts covering typhoons and safety issues. For a network whose motto is 'We Bring You Home,' the FM launch delivers on a long-awaited promise to reconnect with audiences in southern Japan.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT AMERICA'S NATIONAL NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE FROM WASHINGTON, D.C. SUNDAY, MAY 25
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, May 25, the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for its 36th annual broadcast. This beloved tradition honors the courage, sacrifice and service of our military men and women, their families, and pays tribute to all those who have given their lives in defense of our nation. The evening will feature powerful storytelling, musical salutes and poignant moments of remembrance. Hosting the concert are Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise - both steadfast champions of veterans' causes and active service members. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: "This concert is a powerful reminder of what Memorial Day truly represents," said co-host Joe Mantegna. "It offers comfort, connection, and community for families who have lost loved ones in service to our country, honoring their sacrifice with the dignity and gratitude they deserve." "Joe and I are honored to host this annual tribute to our American heroes - past and present - that salutes the courage and commitment of those who have served and those who continue to serve," continued co-host Gary Sinise. "The freedoms we enjoy are made possible by the brave men and women who wear the uniform." The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT airs live on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. E.T. on PBS, as well as to our troops serving around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on YouTube and and available as Video on Demand, May 25 to June 8, 2025. The 2025 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will feature the following segments: 250th Anniversary Army, Navy and Marine CorpsThe concert will salute the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to honor these service branches who have defended America even before it was a nation. World War II 80th Anniversary - featuring acclaimed actor Robert Patrick (TULSA KING, 1923, PEACEMAKER)A salute to the millions of Americans who served the nation in World War II in uniform and on the home front. On the 80th Anniversary of the end of the war, the concert will share the story of U.S. Marine Veteran Don Graves, who fought as a flamethrower at the bloody 36-day Battle of Iwo Jima, a volcanic island of strategic importance to the invasion of Japan and the end of the war. Members of the Greatest Generation will be honored on stage. Gold Star Families Tribute - with SAG Award-winning actress Gretchen Mol (BOARDWALK EMPIRE, MILLERS IN MARRIAGE).The concert will remember and honor our fallen heroes and Gold Star Families with the poignant and inspiring story of Gold Star Wife and mother of two, Krista Simpson Anderson, whose beloved Green Beret husband was killed in May of 2013 in Afghanistan when their sons were toddlers. Vietnam War Dustoff Crews - with Emmy/Grammy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor Blair Underwood (LONGLEGS, L.A. LAW).The concert will honor the courageous Army Air Ambulance Units of the Vietnam War with the story of helicopter pilot Col. Otis Evans, (Ret.). At great risk and danger under enemy fire, Evans and his crew rescued wounded troops in remote locations. Commonly called "Dustoff," their radio call sign, it is estimated that these life-saving air medevac units evacuated 900,000 casualties during the war. This inspiring night of remembrance will also feature performances by: country music star and wounded Army combat veteran Scotty Hasting; multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and recording artist Loren Allred (THE GREATEST SHOWMAN); four-time Grammy-Award Award-winning Gospel music legend Yolanda Adams; Tony Award-nominated star of stage and screen Mary McCormack (HEELS); two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Angel Blue (AIDA at the Metropolitan Opera); and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. In tribute to all the members of our armed forces, the annual audience favorite Salute to Services features the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Service Color Teams. Also participating are members from The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers' Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, vocalists from the Quantico Marine Band, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C. The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT is pleased to welcome back Lockheed Martin as lead corporate sponsor. Lockheed Martin's commitment to the military and veteran community, integral to the center of everything it does, begins with the veterans, National Guard and Reservists, and military spouses that comprise more than one-fifth of its 121,000 employees. Lockheed Martin's charitable investments are made to causes that support service members, veterans, and their families. Lockheed Martin always works to make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our nation, never forgetting those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms. Learn more here. The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT welcomes back the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans as lead underwriter, a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding leaders by bestowing upon them the prestigious Horatio Alger Award and lifetime membership in the Association. to more than 37,000 deserving students. Through the Association, Horatio Alger Members and supporters ensure the American Dream for future generations by sponsoring one of the nation's largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs. Over the past 40 years, more than $265 million has been awarded in undergraduate, graduate, military veteran and career and technical education scholarships to more than 37,000 deserving students. In addition to financial assistance, the Association provides comprehensive support services to its Scholars enabling them to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. The concert is also made possible by grants from: the National Park Service, the Department of the Army, General Dynamics, 84 Lumber, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television stations nationwide. Air travel is provided by American Airlines. The program is a co-production of Michael Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C. View original content: SOURCE Capital Concerts Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Armed Forces Network to reduce radio programs next month
April 21 (UPI) -- American Forces Network will reduce radio programming starting on May 1 to "better streamline operations," the Department of Defense announced Monday. Removed will be the AFN Legacy, Freedom Rock, The Blend and Joe Radio, according to a news release. Also, commercially produced podcasts will no longer be available on the audio streaming service, AFN Go. The radio network will continue top-rated music, entertainment and news channels on its AFN Go app. AFN's 24 Eagle radio stations around the world will continue serving U.S. overseas. "AFN takes pride in its 83-year legacy of serving U.S. military audiences overseas," a release saId. "Along with enhancing troop morale, retention and recruiting, as well as safety and security, AFN continues to live up to its motto, 'We Bring You Home. ' " The military streaming service has more than 100,000 subscribers worldwide. In the past year, the AFN Go app, which includes video, has seen audience growth of more than 30% with listeners streaming nearly 480,000 hours of radio programming in January. The AFN Go radio streaming app is free. Armed Forces Radio Services was formed on May 26, 1942, as a single channel and became Armed Forces Radio & Television Service from 1954-2009 and then AFN afterward. AFN now also has social media accounts. A television service was introduced in 1954 from Limestone Air Force Base in Maine. "While millions of Americans serving overseas have tuned in AFN for popular entertainment, the network has served as a crucial tool for commanders to reach the force and their families, both on and off military installations, with critical information," the Army said on the 80th year of the service in 2022. "During World War II, the network communicated messages to American forces advancing in Europe via mobile radio vans." There are approximately 166,000 U.S. active-duty troops overseas, which is about 12.8% of the 2.1 million total force, according to USA Facts from the Defense Manpower Data Center. U.S. military personnel worldwide were able to watch the Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 and earlier festivities live from New Orleans. Other games were available on the AFN Now app live and on demand, the second season this was offered.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aires' Segment on Leading Branded Reality TV Show "Military Makeover with Montel(R)" Goes Live
Military Makeover with Montel® won 'Outstanding Reality Show' at the 2024 CBS Family Film and TV Awards Aires incorporated EMF protection products into the featured family's home Episode aired on Lifetime and American Forces Network with promotions on high-profile media channels Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2025) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTCQB: AAIRF) ("Aires" or the "Company"), a pioneer in advanced technology designed to protect against electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation and optimize human health, announces the Company's segment on Military Makeover with Montel® originally aired on Friday March 21st and will re-air on Thursday March 27th. Military Makeover with Montel®, which won 'Outstanding Reality Show' at the 2024 CBS Family Film and TV Awards, has broad mass media reach, airing on Lifetime, with potential household reach of 63 million1, and American Forces Network, reaching military communities worldwide. The segment, which includes the Aires team incorporating Aires EMF radiation protection products into the home of the episode's featured family, can be viewed on Aires' YouTube channel at or at In addition to the broad mass media reach from airing on Lifetime and American Forces Network, the episode featuring Aires will also stream on be uploaded to the show's YouTube channel and promoted on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels, and be available on the Military Makeover website on a dedicated landing page with the Aires video segment and links directly to the Aires website, all of which is expected to contribute to our ongoing efforts to establish Aires as a trusted and household brand name. The full "reveal" episode will air on Friday March 28th and re-air on Thursday April 3rd. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Carri Levy, Senior Producer Brandstar, commented: "Our military heroes dedicate their lives to protecting us, and it's just as important that we safeguard them from everyday risks, including the unseen dangers of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This segment on Military Makeover sheds light on the potential effects of EMR exposure and explores innovative solutions designed to help protect those who have served. It's a conversation worth having for the health and well-being of our veterans and their families." American Aires CEO, Josh Bruni, commented: "It was a real privilege to meet the episode's family, the Military Makeover team, and Montel Williams during our time together on the shoot. Partnering with Montel's team was a natural fit for Aires. We already had an exclusive discount program in place for current and former US Military members and their families, so we saw appearing on Military Makeover as an extension of our support for military families, veterans, and individuals across the country by providing solutions that can help optimize health by modulating potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation." The Military Makeover episode is the latest example of Aires' strategic effort to raise market awareness beyond the Company's sports-related partnerships. Those efforts include aligning the brand with exposure opportunities that involve connecting with and positively influencing the lives of everyday people that represent the larger mass market of consumers. The collaboration also marks the latest adoption of the Aires Certified SpacesTM (ACS) standard; ACS is a set of protocols for implementing EMF modulation solutions to create authorized EMF-friendly spaces that support well-being in a tech-driven world, like the recently announced Aires certified Target Center, home of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. Companies and organizations can learn more or apply at About Military Makeover with Montel® Military Makeover with Montel®, A BrandStar Original, is America's leading branded reality TV show that offers hope and a helping hand here on the home front to members of our military and their loved ones. A veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Navy, talk show legend and military advocate Montel Williams, who creatively co-produces the show along with a colorful cast that seeks to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country. The cast includes co-hosts Art Edmonds and designer Jennifer Bertrand. This special series enlists caring companies of all sizes as well as non-profits and the local community. Military Makeover airs on Lifetime® and on the American Forces Network which serves American servicemen and women, Department of Defense and other U.S. government civilians and their families stationed at bases overseas, as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea. Help starts at home for veterans on Military Makeover. Join us as our makeover team engages to change the living situation - and the lives - of these deserving families. About BrandStar BrandStar are matchmakers; connecting People to Brands to Do Life Better. BrandStar has unparalleled experience in creating customized educational content for brands with laser targeted extensive distribution through their multi-channel network ecosystem and methodology. From Original television programming on Lifetime, social media, digital marketing, to media management and PR; BrandStar helps brands connect with the right consumer, at the right time, with the right message, through all the right channels. About American Aires Inc. American Aires Inc. is a Canadian-based nanotechnology company committed to enhancing well-being and environmental safety through science-led innovation, education, and advocacy. The company is selling a line of proprietary patented silicon-based resonator products that protect against the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation.* Aires' Lifetune products diffract EMF radiation emitted by consumer electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi, including the more powerful and rapidly expanding high-speed 5G networks. The Aires Certified SpacesTM ( standard is a set of protocols for implementing EMF modulation solutions to create authorized EMF-friendly spaces that support well-being in a tech-driven world. Aires is listed on the CSE under the ticker 'WiFi' and on the OTCQB under the symbol 'AAIRF'. Learn more at and *Note: Based on the Company's internal and peer-reviewed research studies and clinical trials. For more information please visit Sources:1. On behalf of the board of directors Company Contact:Josh Bruni, CEO Website: wifi@ (415) 707-0102 Investor Relations ContactNikhil Thadani(905) 667-6692nik@ Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, future market position, growth, innovations, global impact, business strategy, product adoption, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
