For country fans tired of the same top-20 videos or too little music-video programming, cable-TV network AFN offers more artist variety, 24 hours a day.
There’s a new country-music video outlet for country artists and their fans, thanks to cable’s AFN, also known Artists and Fans Network.
Available via cable-provider DirecTV in some areas, the network's creators pride themselves on showcasing the best in country music videos, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Cable-TV Network Dedicated to Country Music Videos
According to the network’s Web site, however, that’s where AFN’s likeness to other video broadcasters ceases, because its programmers strive “to “go beyond the current top-20 playlist to showcase the other 90 percent of artists that you may hear on the radio but never see on Great American Country (GAC) or Country Music Television (CMT).”
AFN's creators pay attention to the music of artists such as “Hank Williams Jr., Darryl Worley, Mark Wills and Aaron Tippen, who have dedicated followings, broad name recognition, but little to no video airplay.”
Nashville resident Greg Miller, in a Jan. 9, 2009, interview, said the fact that Artists and Fans Network focuses exclusively on country-music videos immediately caught his attention and made him a fan.
"I found AFN by accident when I was flipping around between CMT and GAC," Miller said, "and I was really happy to see a country-music channel that plays country-music all night long, not movies or reality things. When I first saw it, right away I checked the full day's programming to be sure it's all videos. It was, and I thought, 'Finally!'"
Although he only recently located AFN on the TV dial, Miller said already he's told "a lot of my friends about it, and they are checking to see if they have it, and if they don't, they are contacting their cable or satellite-TV providers to see if they will start carrying it."
AFN Provides Country Fans with Videos by New Country Singers, Longtime Favorites
Aside from the fact the network has a music video-only format, the variety of country, outlaw country and bluegrass music was another selling point for Miller, who says: "When I first came across it, I saw a Steve Azar video pop up, and that's not something you see a lot of. I watched a bit and figured out that this is a channel where you can see some great old videos you haven't seen in awhile. It's bringing back a lot of the country artists people still love, but never get to see. "
With a motto of “it’s all about the music,” AFN is part of the Southern Entertainment Group LLC, which operates several television channels and Web site communities. The network’s online page, while still under construction in some areas, has country-music videos for viewing on demand by artists such as Taylor Swift, Steve Holy, Tracy Lawrence, Julianne Hough, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton and a slew of others, including its current featured artist, Dierks Bentley.
Satellite-Ready Video Variety: Bluegrass, Outlaw Country, Country-Rock & Country Gospel
There’s also both bluegrass and beyond-the-mainstream music videos, including videos from recent musical collaborations by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, as well as Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson. But there’s a slew much-loved favorite artist whose work is rarely seen, but highly long for by fans, including videos from Texas treasure Ray Wiley Hubbard, Nashville’s Rhonda Vincent, Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson, Riders in the Sky, The Statler Brothers, Steve Wariner, The Carter Family, Razzy Bailey, Connie Smith, The Bellamy Brothers … and the list goes on and on.
"I think it's great to see some of these older artists," Miller remarked. "Country fans are loyal, and I like seeing my favorite videos and artists here (ion AFN). There's not a place country fans can go to see these old music videos when an artist isn't at the top of charts anymore, but with AFN, you have a netowrk that realizes good country music, and videos, don't ever go out of style."
In its quest to set itself apart from other country-music video channels, AFN considers itself different, because it appreciates and supports the artists.
“We support not just the very biggest stars of the hour, but the artists of yesteryear and tomorrow,” report AFN’s leaders. “Our approach, is to offer multi-channel streaming and on-demand music videos paired with a vibrant interactive on-line socially networked community.”
To learn more about AFN or persue its list of music videos, please access its Web site at http://www.afncountry.com, where there's also info on how music-videos may be submitted to the channel for viewing consideration.
Sources
Corporate communications, AFN Web site. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009, at www.artistsandfansnetwork.com.
Personal communication, Greg Miller, Jan. 9, 2009.
The copyright of the article New AFN Channel Plays Country Videos All Day in Country Music is owned by Lisa L. Rollins. Permission to republish New AFN Channel Plays Country Videos All Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
lr,thanks for letting us know about this cunninglamb
Jan 9, 2009 10:27 PM
Guest :
having been a very big supporter of satillitte Ray DEE OH, and RFD for a number of programs that they air, with an intelligent view that rural
and intelligent are not oxy morons...yes, we can/due talk a little slow at
times...butt,,,,just found AFN, and what I have seen these past 20 minutes
I am pleased...we lost X cuntry on XM...at least over the inner net, there
is radiofreetexas.org....thanky you minnie...hank and so many merle....I am
hopeful that so many of the most talented young american artists can get
some video play...I did not see Keith Knight...Williams Son on the
list...still, yall seem to have a number of my faverite artists...the udder
networks just ring my bell, and hopeful that yall can ring that bell that
hangs under my burper of my dodge ram...the one with the bull sililet
(shucks, sum Kant spell, Kant rite, and Kant rope, but can Bull toss to
morning early light)...thats all rite Kant, Cowboys Kant... cajunbob
po-ET lariate (google) roscoebeauregard.blogspot.com....
Jan 10, 2009 5:44 PM
Guest :
Lisa, I found myself watching the channel for almost three hours while I
did the laundry. I didn't have to change the channel and loved the
selection. It was like watching a video representation of the lineup on
the radio.
Kim Miller
Jan 10, 2009 6:00 PM
Lisa L. Rollins :
That's great, Kim. :) It sounds like AFN's future is secure among country
fans who want the music, not the added fodder that seems to hav crept in on
other country-music channels.
Lisa
Jan 12, 2009 12:45 PM
Guest :
A country music station that actually plays country music. What a novel
idea. I love it !
Jan 12, 2009 4:44 PM
Guest :
Love The AFN it is great to finally to be able to watch my video's when i
fell like it!!!
Jan 13, 2009 9:59 AM
Guest :
LIKE THIS NEW MUSIC CHANNEL, THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH MUSIC PLAYED BY OTHER
ARTIST THAT ARE REALLY GOOD, I HAVE SEEN MORE JASON ALDEAN IN THE LAST WEEK
THAN I HAVE EVER SEEN. MAYBE THEY CAN THROW IN SOME OF THE OTHER MUSIC
GAINTS LIKE CONWAT TWITTY, BOBBY BEAR, RANDY TRAVIS, ROY OBERSON, ELVIS,
THE JUDDS, OLDER REBA, AND FOR A REALLY GOOD ONE HOW BOUT LITTLE TO NO
SUGARLAND, I AM PROBALLY ONE OF THE FEW THAT DOES NOT LIKE THEM AND GET
REALLY TIRED OF HEARING THEM ON THE RADIO EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR, I WOULD
LIKE MORE JAMIE O NEIL, MARTINA MCBRIDE OR ARTIST THAT CAN ACTUALLY SING A
SONG,
Jan 13, 2009 11:18 AM
AFNCountry :
Lisa,
I have been watching your blog and reading the comments
and have implemented some of the suggestions. Currently we are
implementing an “E-quest” interface on the AFNCountry.com home page. This
will allow the viewers to tell us what they would like to see (or not as
the case may be) and when they will be watching. I am pulling archive
video now and will begin integrating the “Golden” titles as we roll this
out.
I want to thank you all for viewing.
Warren
Hansen COO Artists & Fans Network
Jan 14, 2009 9:01 AM
Guest :
Love your new channel. We have needed it for a long time. Too much junk
on the other ones. I would love to see "Wonderful Tonight" by
David Kersh. I have been a fan of his for ten years when I first saw him.
Thanks for being there.
Clella Ault Topeka, Kansas ksclea@aol.com
Jan 14, 2009 10:23 AM
Guest :
I love the Tv Channel so Much i AM a really Big Country Music fan i
love Music a lot and i love all of the Vidio's that i get to watch
Thanks a lot for the Vidido's keep up the good work Thanks
again Renee
Jan 15, 2009 8:47 AM
Guest :
Hi well my favorite singer is Taylor Swift!And i just found this new
channel and it is awesome!!!!!!! Because I adore country I listen to 104.5
all the time and I love it!
Can we ask for requests???Thanks!
-Guest
Jan 17, 2009 6:55 AM
Guest :
At last, a country music channel that plays country music all day. Not just
a select few, but all those popular stars that you don't get to see
otherwise on that "other" station. I love it and I hope you are
on for a very long time. I love to listen while I do housework or even when
I am winding down for the night and relaxing with a good book. Thanks for
being there.
Jan 17, 2009 8:57 AM
Guest :
Wow! This channel needs to be broadcasted amoungst your friends! This
channel rocks! YOu don't get stuck listening to only the new videos and
small handful of artists. You get music. Something the other two stations
forgot what to play. Well mostly the one station, they're to worried about
going to the movies. ~Glad I accidentally hit the wrong button on the
control the other day!
Jan 17, 2009 12:58 PM
Guest :
I'm really glad that you are on the TV. CMT has gone to hell with all their
stupid shows, hardly any music. You say though, in your advertizing stints,
"no reruns" but, that just anit so!!!!!!! I watch all day
almost every day and I see the same videos every day, sometimes more than
once a day.......Not good, especilly if you are gonna say that you wont or
arnt gonna do that. As there are millions of vidoes out there, reruns are
a no no, especilly twice in one day.
Jan 17, 2009 6:45 PM
Guest :
I love AFN Country. I've got tired of CMT and all the junk they put on TV.
You were a God send, pure country music. I LOVE YOU ! Just found you a few
days ago. I have direct tv. Believe me when I say I love you. I Love
country music and I get up, watch the news and switch to cmt, couple hours
they have music, then it's nanny 911 or wife swap, home make over, movie
re-run you've seen 5 times. When did you start? I'm so glad I found you'
please don't ever change. When I want country music, I want only country
music. A true friend of AFN. Don't change. SO GLAD to found you. Sincerely, Pam Pelkey Monroe, Mi. 48162
Jan 18, 2009 8:59 PM
Guest :
I just discovered AFN and have been playing it all weekend. Finally, a
country music video station that plays country music videos and not redneck
comedy and old movies and stays on all night instead of selling its late
night air time to stupid infomercials. Congratulations, please do not
change. Bill Gray 01/18/09
Jan 18, 2009 9:44 PM
Guest :
this is what i like...videos all the time
marty from chicago
Jan 19, 2009 8:10 AM
Guest :
Thank you...thank you AFN! For playing MUSIC VIDEO! CMT has become a
victim of "reality" tv 24/7. Just like its predecessor (MTV).
You're a music television...They have REALITY TV channel. Thanks again AFN
you have my approval 100%.
Jan 19, 2009 12:58 PM
Guest :
lets just watch the same freeking videos over and over and over
again.....4-5 times a day....come on u guys
Jan 19, 2009 2:16 PM
Guest :
Thank you for music that is refreshing and not some show that I have no
interest in. thanks for playing the country music I like to hear.
Jan 19, 2009 8:17 PM
Guest :
thank you, thank you can't say it enough finally I get to watch it all. my
favorites and new!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I have waited for this channel for a long
time
Jan 20, 2009 10:37 PM
Guest :
This channel is HOT!! Far better than CMT or GAC put together.
Jan 21, 2009 9:45 PM
staticradio :
I'm hoping more americana, alt-country, traditional country, folk artists
will be played. Artists like Neko Case, Jolie Holland, Patty Griffin,
Drive-By Truckers, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Guy Clark, The Duhks, Patty
Larkin, The Wailin' Jennys, The Waifs, Ollabelle, Jonatha Brooke, Wilco,
The Jayhawks, Alejandro Escovedo, Kelly Willis, Lucy Kaplansky, Catie
Curtis, BR549, Ryan Adams, Susan Werner, Eliza Gilkyson, Mark Erelli, Lyle
Lovett, Uncle Earl, John Gorka, Crooked Still, The Mammals, Storyhill, Hank
Williams, et al.
Jan 22, 2009 4:02 PM
Guest :
Just like most of these other people I was channel surfing up the channels
a couple weeks ago, and saw Keith Urban singing an older song, and saw this
little AFN in the corner with a little hat on it, and I was confused
because I had never seen this before, and so I stayed on the channel, and
then came along Blake Shelton, Chris Cagle, older Joe Nicoles, so I was all
excited, and hoping it wasn't something they were testing for the weekend.
I have been a BRAD PAISLEY fan for 10 years and he has 10 years of videos
with quite a few of them being award winning videos, and I have watched
this channel for hours on end, and I have yet to see 1 of Brad's videos on
there. I would love to see some of his older ones on TV again. I also saw
someone else mentioned repeat videos, and I do have to agree that it seems
some of them are repeated way to much and with this station being a station
that is going to play lots of different artists, I would hope we don't have
to see the same videos over and over. I think Blake Shelton, Rascall
Flatts, Trace Atkins, and Sugarland are over played, and I like all of
them. I must say it's like a trip back in time watching some of these
videos, and I love the pretty much unknowns that you are playing to get
their name out, and I'm seeing videos I never even knew exsited. THANKS FOR BRINGING BACK REAL COUNTY MUSIC JoAnn from IN
Jan 23, 2009 12:55 PM
Guest :
thanks for including Mr. George Jones in your line up.
Jan 23, 2009 1:20 PM
Guest :
Thank god for this station it makes me so happy that it plays country music
all day long i wake up and go to bed with station wildforher@yahoo.com
Jan 23, 2009 6:43 PM
Guest :
I'm old school r&b and hip hop listener,but ran across your station, i
loved it,its real,down to earth, romantic,fun, refreshing ,im a country fan
now:) ray,az.
Jan 23, 2009 9:27 PM
Guest :
Sammy Kershaw and George Jones all within a 24 hr. period. YEAH. Ya'll
really know country. Please keep the "oldies" coming on AFN.
You're my new station for good entertainment.
Missin Dixie out
here in CA. Penny.
Jan 25, 2009 9:16 PM
Guest :
love this new channel.could you add one night rodeo video, touch me and
lane turner book of matches video. it is so nice to see country music
video on again 24/7. I listened for 4 hours it was great. sharon
Jan 26, 2009 10:23 AM
Guest :
WE LOVE THIS NEW CHANNEL!! WERE IS JODEE MESSINA!!!PLEASE GIVE HER WHAT
SHE DOES DESERVES!!!TALENTED ALL THE WAY!!
Jan 26, 2009 11:05 AM
Guest :
play white horse
Jan 26, 2009 1:56 PM
Guest :
Great new channel a channel was needed that played alot of diffent
videos.
Jan 26, 2009 4:37 PM
Guest :
Thank God there is finally a network that shows country music videos. I'm
so disappointed in CMT. I come home from work expecting to watch videos on
CMT. It's disappointing everytime because they have some stupid reality
show on. Not only do you show music videos, but your showing older ones
that take me back to the time where I fell in love with country music. I
thank you for that.
Jan 26, 2009 6:49 PM
Guest :
I am so glad that there's finally an actual channel where they play nothing
but music videos! It's annoying to see reality shows and other programming
on a channel that claims to be all about the music. So, while I'm sitting
here watching my new favorite music channel, I just wanted to pop in and
say that I really love that there is finally one channel that really is all
about the music they play and plays videos that others forego in favor of
the popular videos of the moment. Good job, please keep it up!
Jan 26, 2009 6:50 PM
Guest :
I once emailed that other station and ask them to just please shut up and
play the music. They would start to play a video then talk as the music
faded in the back ground. Please don't do that. So far I like you :)
Jan 28, 2009 11:27 AM
Guest :
Great to see this new website and television channel. I am a big Rodney
Atkins fan, so if you could put one or two of his videos in the rotation,
that would be great. Actually, all of the videos are incredibles because
your channel gives artists who are struggling to get air time the chance to
do so. Keep up the good work and best of luck.
A fan from S.C.
Jan 30, 2009 6:17 PM
Guest :
we finally got a station that does'nt show special, movies , and reality
show it just show videos thank you very much
Jan 31, 2009 5:43 PM
Guest :
When is this new network coming to dish network I would love to have a
channel like this that is devoted to all country music videos.
Jan 31, 2009 10:31 PM
Guest :
hey gang, wow thanks for what you are doing , it seems that the other
" music" channels have forgoten about the most important thing,,,
THE MUSIC ,as long as you always play music video,s I will always watch you
,thanks again and keep up the good work !!!a new fan
Feb 1, 2009 2:41 PM
Guest :
I like the new country channel however I never hear Jessica Simpson's song
,come on over I think all the channels have failed to play it as much as
they should hope to hear it on the new improved channel soon. I also
noticed Carrie Underwood's music is not played often and she is one of the
top vocalists should play her songs more.
fan
Feb 8, 2009 12:04 PM
Guest :
I just found this channel. Thank you, I love watching videos, and not just
the same ones over and ovet again. Please play more of Gary Allen Video's
he's the best. Thank You
Feb 9, 2009 2:53 PM
Guest :
I have not heard Jessica Simpson's song Come on over reguarly played somone
requested Gary allen and I hear him alot,he is good but come on please play
Jessica and Carrie Underwood.fan
Feb 9, 2009 3:13 PM
Guest :
I noticed you play Taylor Swift regular but not Jessica Simpson or Carrie
Underwood in the daytime I don't know about late night early morning but
it's probably same, please play these artists just as much day time.I also
like Taylor Swift's music and you play Sugarland regular they are good, but
come on play these others.
Feb 11, 2009 7:58 AM
Guest :
I was wondering if you had any videos by Julie Reeves?
Feb 11, 2009 7:17 PM
Guest :
I was so happy to see a show such as your until this week, I hope all the
country music artist see this, probably won't, all the ED commerical are
gross, too many, my children see this, it's not suitable for children
before 10:00 pm, come on get real, your artist's children would not want to
see it. Please stop or you won't see me again. Your doing ED commericals
becuse you need sponsors and we are not family and don't care. Cliff Bruce
a loyal country music fan from Cripple Creek, Colorado
Feb 15, 2009 9:59 AM
Guest :
Hey finally, a music video channel that actually shows music videos. In
the high school and college years, I saw MTV & VH1 go to nothing but
reality shows. (anything but videos) then as I have become a big country
mucic fan with southern rock roots CMT is doing the thing with very little
videos. Keep it up AFN with the videos, I love it!!!!!
Feb 15, 2009 3:15 PM
Guest :
I need help from other fans please, if you would also like to hear Jessica
Simpson's song come on over played along with Taylor
Swift,Sugarland,Jewelle,ect. and also more Carrie Underwood, Miranda
Lambert,Sheryl Crow to name a few post a comment if you agree these artists
aren't getting on afn enough,afn is doing a good job for Lady Antebalam and
Surgarland, Taylor Swift I hear them alot they are good but these other
artists aren't getting on.Lee ann Womack's last call gets played quite a
bit it's on now it's good too.
Jan 9, 2009
