AFN Airing Viewer Commercials During Super Bowl

  • Published
  • By George Smith
  • American Forces Network Europe Operations Manager
MANHEIM, Germany --  This year's AFN Europe Super Bowl coverage includes something never before seen on the military network: TV commercials created by viewers.

AFN Europe announced the "You Do It!" campaign in early December asking people to create and send in their own TV commercials to air during the Super Bowl. After the New Year, the production staff was a bit worried there were only nine submissions. But, then, over the next couple of weeks, viewers zapped the network with more than 140 commercials that show everything from troops down range to talking dogs.

The American Forces Network (AFN) Europe introduced the innovative "You Do It!" campaign as a way to get people more involved with their TV network. AFN has long gotten complaints about military commercials airing too often, messages taking a negative approach, or spots "talking down" to viewers. And every year people ask to see Stateside Super Bowl commercials during AFN coverage, something the network cannot do because it is against regulations.

"The response from the audience was great and I think viewers are going to love the variety, and get some laughs along the way. Many are very clever and everyone will have their favorite," says Colonel Bill Bigelow, AFN Europe Commander.

Because AFN Europe received so many products, the "You Do It!" commercials will air during pre-game, though the Super Bowl and finish off during the post game. To make sure producers get recognition, each "You Do It!" commercial will have a special logo giving credit to the person, unit or organization that submitted it. All "You Do It!" commercials will be available for viewing at www.afneurope.net by Monday, February 8th at 12 noon.

Super Bowl pre-game coverage starts February 7 at 6 PM Central European Time on AFN|Prime Atlantic, with game coverage starting at midnight. AFN Power Network radio airs the pre-game starting at 11 PM, with game coverage beginning at midnight.

Super Bowl XLIV features the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts from Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Florida.