AFN Spectrum
{{Infobox television channel
| name = AFN Spectrum
| logo_size =
| logo =
| logo_caption =
| founder =
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|1997|03|27}}
| closed_date =
| picture_format = 1080i (HDTV)
| country = United States
| owner = American Forces Network
| parent =
| language = {{Plainlist|
- English
}}
| area = United States military bases
| headquarters = Riverside, California, U.S.
| key_people =
| sister_channels =
{{collapsible list|
}}
| website = {{URL|https://myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil/ | MyAFN}}
| availability_note = limited to U.S. military personnel in military bases
| online_serv_1 = Affiliated Streaming Service
| online_chan_1 = AFN Now
| online_serv_2 =
| online_chan_2 =
}}
AFN Spectrum is the third channel of the American Forces Network. It started in 1997 as more of a conservative culture-oriented channel with programming from cable networks and classic TV series. In a way, it mimicked the "superstation" concept from cablecasters TBS and WGN America. However, the Spectrum lineup currently contains more conventional programming, like American Idol and Ugly Betty, as some of the public television and classic fare that made up Spectrum is being reduced but remain the primary constant on the channel.
History
AFN launched Spectrum on March 23, 1997. In its early years the channel ran on an eight-hour wheel with documentaries, cartoons, classic TV series and movies. The launch of the channel came after that of NewSports.[https://web.archive.org/web/20000621210523/http://www.afrts.osd.mil/afn5.htm#top Spectrum]{{cite news |last1=Brockman |first1=Kristina |title=New NMC channels will change television viewing |url=https://timarit.is/page/6098777#page/n0/mode/2up |work=The White Falcon |publisher=Timarit.is |date=March 28, 1997 }}
In 2003, with the announcement of the launch of AFN Movie and AFN Family for 2004, AFN Spectrum would reduce its movie and family programming as consequence.{{cite news |title=Talk of the town answers questions and concerns |url=https://timarit.is/page/5835447?iabr=on#page/n10/mode/1up |work=The White Falcon |publisher=Timarit.is |date=October 22, 2003}} The move enabled Spectrum to increase its cultural output.[https://web.archive.org/web/20241202121518/https://www.stripes.com/migration/pacific-to-see-new-tv-channels-this-year-1.1062 Pacific to see new TV channels this year] The channel had absorbed all of the shows that were deemed "objectionable" by AFN Prime.[https://web.archive.org/web/20241202122021/https://www.stripes.com/migration/new-afn-tv-channel-targets-18-35-male-audience-1.44476 New AFN TV channel targets 18-35 male audience]