New AFRTS movie, family channels debut Sept. 3 Published Aug. 27, 2004 By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Defense Department's American Forces Network television system will start broadcasting new movie and family channels to overseas audiences Sept. 3.The new channels, made possible by new satellite technology, will enhance choices for servicemembers and their families stationed overseas, said Lt. Col. Doug Smith, operations officer at American Forces Radio and Television Service headquarters in Alexandria, Va."The Family Channel is something we've (wanted) to do for a very long time," Colonel Smith said. Programming content will be targeted to children ages 2 to 17.The Movie Channel will offer "the best of Hollywood" films, with behind-the-scenes specials detailing how some popular movies were made, he said.For years, the American Forces Radio and Television Service has provided news, sports and entertainment, as well as DOD-specific programming, to servicemembers and families stationed overseas, Colonel Smith said. The new channels will fill "a couple of niches" previously unavailable to audiences.Larry Sichter, AFN's affiliate relations chief at the Defense Media Center at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., said AFN provides 10 television services and 12 radio services to 180 ships at sea and to servicemembers and families stationed in 177 countries. The total audience is estimated at 180,000 people.This spring the Pentagon Channel began broadcasting military news programs, Pentagon news conferences and congressional hearings featuring senior DOD leaders to servicemembers stationed overseas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.