Gov't shutdown takes American Forces Network off air, prompting NFL to scramble to bring Sunday’s games to U.S. troops abroad (UPDATED)

The Washington Post

UPDATE: With six hours to go before kick-off, the Dept of Defense has deemed AFN broadcasts an "essential activity," enabling the airing of the games to servicemembers despite the government shutdown. (Original story follows below.)

The American Forces Network, the U.S. military’s TV and radio broadcasting service, is usually the only way for American military stationed abroad to watch American television. The shutdown of the AFN means that troops can’t watch Sunday’s AFC and NFC championship games on the armed services network. The NFL responded to the shutdown, saying it would provide free access to its streaming service, NFL Game Pass, at USO facilities around the world. "However, not all USO locations – such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan – have high-speed internet needed for the NFL’s steaming service,” reports Stars and Stripes. “Also, servicemembers assigned to ships may not have access to a USO facility.” According to ProFootballTalk, the NFL “has been working on finding ways” for those members of the military who don’t have access to a USO facility. “The NFL is working on alternatives for service members in the event Armed Forces Network is not operational before the start of tomorrow’s championship games,” tweeted NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy.