NFL Playoffs: Military Can Watch Too Despite Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC — After brief concerns that the government shutdown would prevent American military personnel from watching the NFL’s conference championship games on Sunday, the Defense Department stepped in and made sure that wouldn't happen. The government closed for business on Friday night after Republicans and Democrats in Congress couldn't reach an agreement on a spending bill.

Shortly thereafter, the American Forces Network, which provides entertainment and command information to U.S. service members via its television and radio services, stopped airing early Saturday morning in Europe and Asia. A message said AFN services were unavailable due to the shutdown. Civilian government workers operate AFN programming and they were furloughed early Saturday.

On Sunday morning, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a tweet that the AFN would air both the AFC and NFC championship games between the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles.

"Great news as Armed Forces Network will air both Championship Sunday NFL games today for our service members around the world," McCarthy said.

Update: @DeptofDefense has informed us that AFN has been restored in most places. Glad our brave men and women can watch the game today. https://t.co/d424r1mBu2
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 21, 2018

Dana White, chief spokesman of the Defense Department, said in a statement that the department designated TV and radio broadcasts of the American Forces Network essential activities.

"Despite the government shutdown, DoD determined the operational necessity of television and radio broadcasts constitutes them as essential activities. We will continue to find solutions to support our troops at home and abroad. Congress must come to a resolution, support our troops and pass a budget soon."

White said funds had already been paid on the contract. The news and sports stations can air with minimal staffing and won't cost anything extra, he said.

The NFL previously said it would provide access to its streaming service NFL Game Pass at United Service Organizations, or USO, facilities across the globe, The Washington Post reported.

But while the games will air overseas, fans at home will reportedly not see an F-15 fighter jet flyover due to the shutdown. Lt. Col. Lisa Ahaesy, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts National Guard, told The Boston Globe four fighter jets will no longer fly over Gillette Stadium before Sunday's game in Foxborough between the Patriots and Jaguars.

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