MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- For the Scout The Pentagon Channel is now airing on Camp Pendleton's KPEN television station, augmenting base programming with military stories designed to help local viewers better understand Department of Defense programs and policies.
The Pentagon Channel can be seen on Ch. 19 in the southern region of the base and Ch. 31 in the northern part, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DoD launched the nation-wide cable access channel on Armed Forces Day in May 2004 and has directed all stateside military posts and stations to incorporate it into their local channel. The Pentagon Channel compiles military news from around the world while producing news briefs and in-depth interviews with top DoD officials from Washington.
"The Pentagon Channel lets troops know why decisions are made," said Pentagon Channel representative Iwaner Stewart. "Where before, troops took their leaders' orders at face value, they now have a tool for finding the reasoning behind the decisions."
The Pentagon Channel broadcasts service magazine shows like "Your Corps," "Air Force News," "Army Newswatch" and "Navy-Marine Corps News," as well as regional newscasts from stateside bases. Their studios are located in the Armed Forces Information Service headquarters building in Alexandria, Va.
The development of the Pentagon Channel began after Sept. 11, 2001, when thousands of guard and reserve troops were mobilized far from any other military installation. It's modeled after the American Forces Radio and Television Service that can be seen only at overseas bases and stations.
"We hope to attract new viewers to KPEN TV by adding The Pentagon Channel," said Staff Sgt. Amy L. Forsythe, KPEN TV staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge. "The variety of programming offers our viewers a wider spectrum of shows pertaining to other military services."
The 30-minute news magazine, the Pendleton Journal, produced by Pendleton marines for Pendleton Marines already airs on KPEN. It airs three times a day at 7 a.m., noon and 7 p.m., and highlights Marines, sailors and their families. It includes segments about military training, sporting events, quality of life issues and deployments.
"We cover news and information not shown on regular media outlets," Forsythe said. "The show contains news and information you can't get anywhere else. That's what makes us unique."
KPEN's goal is to air a variety of programming showcasing people, places and events, Forsyth said.
The Pendleton Journal airs on several different cable stations throughout the county. It's carried on KDCI in Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos on Channel 3. In Oceanside, tune into KOCT Channel 19, which has been airing the show since 1999. For those who live beyond North County, The County Television Network airs KPEN TV on different channels depending on the cable carrier.
On base, KPEN TV Channel 18/30 airs other Marine-oriented programming like the History Channel's Mail Call, starring former Marine R. Lee Ermey; The Pendleton Sportsman; and a scrolling bulletin board with up-to-date community news and events.
For more information about KPEN TV or The Pendleton Journal, go to www.pendleton.usmc.mil and click on Public Affairs information, or call Forsythe at 725-6711.