American Forces on Mediumwave goes silent in Europe

For those who remember listening to AFN Europe on 873 kHz, today is a rather nostalgic day. This from the official release.

AFN Europe, in coordination with IMCOM Europe and USAREUR, is turning off its 873 AM radio transmitter in Central Germany May 31, as part of the US Department of Defense’s ongoing efforts to reduce operating costs.

The transmitter is one of two that serves Wiesbaden Army Airfield.  The 873 AM transmitter provides Power Network programming, a mix of news, talk and political commentary.  The second transmitter, 98.7 FM, broadcasts AFN The Eagle, a 24/7 service of contemporary music, community information and top of the hour news. That remains on air. So the Wiesbaden area listeners will still get news, traffic, weather and community information from 98.7 FM. But listeners further afield need to switch to the web.

News and talk fans may still listen to two popular Power Network Shows, Morning Newswatch, from 0600-0900 and Afternoon Newswatch from 1600-1880 weekdays on AFN 360: Internet Radio.  AFN decoder owners may tune in Power Network 24 hours a day on their “box.”   AFN Europe hopes to be able to offer Power Network as a 24/7 streaming audio service on AFN 360 sometime in the future.   Some iPhone and Android mobile device users may be able to listen to AFN’s streaming audio service in their car.

The 873 AM transmitter, which is located off the base in Weisskirchen, Germany, was singled out for cost savings because of its isolated location and high-cost upkeep requirements. As with all of DoD, AFN Europe anticipates additional changes this year as it works to provide the American military with quality entertainment and command information, while simultaneously being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Made some great portraits in the past. Enjoy....