Frequently Asked Questions
Information:
How can I get information about an emergency that’s affecting the base?
One of the best ways is to listen to our radio station on 106.0 FM or decoder channel 182. Our DJ’s deliver news as we get it about events that affect you. You can also tune your TV to the “virtual command channel”, which is the Prime Atlantic channel on base or decoder channel 18 off base. We’ll deliver updates on a bottom-screen “roller” or between programs. Also, check out our Website at www.afneurope.net and click on “Naples”. In an event affecting the base, we work closely with Naval Support Activity Public Affairs to ensure our listeners and viewers get the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.
How can I get local news and information at any time?
Even on a normal work day, you can listen to live DJ shows from 6 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. The DJ’s give you local news, information and great music on 106.0 FM or decoder channel 182. Or, tune your TV to the “virtual command channel”, which is Prime Atlantic on base or decoder channel 18 off base and you’ll get video news updates and information throughout the day. You can also see our stories and get community information any time on our Web site at www.afneurope.net, click on “Naples” or become a fan of our Facebook fanpage or follow us on Twitter.
How can I get AFN to cover my event?
It’s easy! Go online to www.afneurope.net, click on Naples and select “Publicity Request” on the left of the page. The information you provide in the form goes to all of our producers immediately by email. This is the fastest way to get things started. If you want to follow up by phone, call at DSN: 629-6904 or commercial number 081-811-6904.
Radio:
Why do I get an Italian station when I’m tuned to 106.0 or 107.0 FM?
This is probably due to another station’s transmitter overpowering our frequencies in your area, what’s known as “bleedover”. Station output is regulated by the Italian government and this should be a temporary situation. Also, in a moving car relative signal strength can fluctuate from place to place as tuners tend to find the most powerful signal nearest the set frequency.
I have an American tuner in my car. Why can’t I tune in 106.0 or 107.0 FM?
U.S. standard frequencies fall on odd decimals, such as 106.1 FM. Many digital American radios are set to receive just those increments. In Europe, standard frequencies fall on even decimals, such as 106.0 FM. These signals can be received on radios purchased here. Our frequencies are assigned to us by the Italian government and cannot be changed.
I can’t receive 106.0 or 107.0 FM where I live. Is there another way to get these?
If you have a satellite decoder, you can listen in on channels 182 and 183. Due to contractual provisions with the music industry, we cannot stream the music we play on the Internet.
Television:
Why can’t we get more television channels?
Our TV channels come from the American Forces Radio and Television Service Broadcast Center at March Air Force Base in California. They are relayed by a series of satellites to a regional network operations center in Vicenza, Italy, where they are beamed up once again and can be received and decoded in Naples. AFRTS is the largest media network in the world, serving hundreds of U.S. installations overseas and ships at sea, but there is a limit to the amount of information that can be beamed from the U.S. at reasonable cost.
Also, AFRTS is a government activity and can’t carry paid advertising or charge its audience for programming. Instead, AFRTS negotiates for TV shows for a nominal fee, usually the cost of materials and shipping. This can exclude or delay programs from airing, although AFRTS has been successful in getting about 95% of the top-rated programs. AFRTS delivers the best of the network and cable TV companies, free to its viewers and listeners and with fewer interruptions.
On base in Naples, the distribution system is at its capacity. You won’t see redundant AFRTS channels timed for other regions or “virtual command channels” programmed for other stations. Off-base residents can see these using their decoders, if they wish. They may also contract for commercial TV and radio services through their landlords. Government housing residents can’t have satellite dishes installed due to facility leasing agreements.
Why isn’t AFN programmed more like channels at home? For example, why does the AFN Family channel show programs that are inappropriate for young children?
AFRTS programming has to appeal to a lot of different audiences. It comes from many sources but gets aired on a relatively small number of channels. AFRTS makes programming decisions scientifically using Nielsen ratings and trends within the media industry.
AFN Family, for example, is targeted toward children ages 2 to 17, and airs “younger” programming during school hours and “older” programming when school is out. To help parents make age-appropriate decisions about what their children should or shouldn’t watch, AFN lists ratings for entertainment programs in its online channel guide.
For more information about AFN programming, go to www.myafn.net, click on “SCHEDULE”, change to the “Rome” time zone, and click on the name of the programs you would like to know more about.
Do I need a multi-system TV?
Multi-system televisions are only necessary if you want to view European television programs, which are almost always on the PAL standard. This includes any over-the-air, cable and satellite transmissions in Europe. AFRTS TV is on the same NTSC standard used in the U.S.
Who do I call about problems with my TV signal on base?
Television distribution systems are managed by the facility they are located in. If you are in government housing, call the Housing Department trouble desk at DSN 629-4285 or 4286.
Why is Italian TV playing in a public area on base?
The manager of the facility sets the viewing policy. If you are a customer and want to watch AFN, this should be brought up with the manager.
Decoders:
Where do I go to get a decoder?
AFN Naples does not sell, lease, issue or repair decoders. If you live off base you can purchase a decoder through the Navy Exchange or contact Housing Department to be placed on a waiting list for a number of free decoders. Government housing residents can connect their televisions directly to the installed cable outlets in their homes and do not require decoders.
How do I set up and turn on my decoder?
Go online to www.afneurope.net, click on “AFN Decoder Setup Guide”, and you should find the information you need.
I am having a problem with my decoder. Who do I call?
First, look online at www.myafn.net and www.afneurope.net and the manufacturer’s Website. If you don’t see the answer there, call whoever issued the decoder, either the NEX customer service line at 081-811-4717 or the Housing Department trouble desk at 081-811-4242. Stateside AFRTS technicians are also on duty 24/7 and available to handle your questions at U.S. commercial number (951) 413-2339 or DSN: 348-1339.