DOD officials expand Pentagon Channel
by Paul Stone
Special to American Forces Press Service
5/14/2004 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Pentagon Channel, the Defense Department's news and information television source, officially expanded its service May 14 with a live broadcast from Andrews Air Force Base, Md.
The Pentagon Channel, which previously existed as an information channel within the Pentagon, is now distributed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to all military installations in the United States via domestic satellite. It is also seen overseas through the American Forces Radio and Television Service.
"Armed Forces Day [which is May 15] is about recognizing the commitment and sacrifice of our men and women in the military, and we wanted to recognize them by giving them a new and improved tool that will provide them with the news and information they need," said Allison Barber. She is the deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications.
Ms. Barber explained recent research showed that military members -- both in the United States and overseas -- felt they had adequate access to general news and information, but not enough access to military news.
"The important thing about the Pentagon Channel is it's information specifically geared to the military, and that's what our audience is looking for, because it's relevant, it's credible, and it's important to their success."
Ms. Barber also said that the operational tempo across the services further demonstrated a need for DOD leaders to be able to talk directly to the military audience. The expansion was especially important for Guard and Reserve people and their families, who are the most isolated from DOD news and information.
Besides 24-hour service, the channel is expanding its programming with several new shows. "Around the Services" features news from each branch of the military. "Studio Five" showcases conversations with DOD leaders on a variety of topics, and "Focus on the Force" highlights military missions such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Our audience (needed) more in-depth coverage of military news, so we structured programs to meet that need," Ms. Barber said. "'Studio Five' allows us to have an extended conversation with our military audience to explain such issues as pay and benefits or health... It will be an effective tool, because it tells the whole story from start to finish."
The channel’s programming also will include top-of-the-hour news updates, broadcasts of the flagship television news magazine programs from each of the services, and DOD news briefings from the Pentagon and around the world. |
|
|
|
Printable story
E-mail story
Advanced Search