Military Channel becoming American Heroes Channel in March 2014

Discovery Communications announced today that its Military Channel will be changing its name to American Heroes Channel (AHC) starting Monday, March 3, 2014. A release says that the rebranded network will “expand on the Military Channel’s promise to honor the great defenders of our freedom, while providing a rare glimpse into major events that shaped our world and the trailblazers and unexpected advocates who made a difference.”

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Discovery says that American Heroes Channel will feature an expanded mix of programming targeted to a primarily male audience of P25-54. The first year of AHC will include 17 new series and specials, with four original series and specials launching in the first week, according to the release.

“We see a tremendous opportunity to provide more history-based, narrative-style documentary programming that viewers have come to know and love from Discovery Communications. The American Heroes Channel will be the next great platform for Discovery to engage and entertain an information-hungry audience with a network that provides an exciting intersection of military and history programming,” said David Zaslav, president and chief executive officer, Discovery Communications, in a release.

“Although America is a country born from acts of heroism on the battlefield, true heroism isn’t reserved solely for military,” said Kevin Bennett, general manager, American Heroes Channel, in the release. “We know our viewers love the stories of real-world valor presented by our signature military series, and American Heroes Channel will remain the destination for military fans. However, we’re excited to offer viewers a more diverse voice and storytelling style with American Heroes Channel that captures the best of the Military Channel’s niche appeal while providing viewers with additional insight into contemporary world events and biographical stories.”

American Heroes Channel (AHC) Premiere Week Programming (info from Discovery release):

RAW WAR: THE LOST FILM OF DAK TO
World Premiere Special: Monday, March 3 at 9/8c
RAW WAR presents gripping personal stories through film and photographs from combat cameramen who filmed some of the most significant military engagements in Vietnam. These cameramen risked – and sometimes lost – their lives to capture some of the bloodiest battles of our time. This special reveals an unknown chapter of the Vietnam War through the gripping personal stories behind this newly discovered footage.

AGAINST THE ODDS
World Premiere Series: Monday, March 3 at 10/9c
New Episode Premieres Every Monday at 10/9c
AGAINST THE ODDS showcases awe-inspiring stories of bravery, solidarity and strength on the battlefield. An outnumbered group of soldiers finds themselves in a life-or-death situation. Their enemy is larger, stronger, and determined to win. It’s the real-life “Band of Brothers” as they come together to prove they can’t be beat, doing whatever it takes to overcome the cards stacked against them.

CIA: DECLASSIFIED
World Premiere Series: Tuesday, March 4 at 10/9c
New Episode Premieres Every Tuesday at 10/9c
CIA: DECLASSIFIED travels back to the Cold War to reveal inside stories of America’s most top-secret missions, drawing from recently declassified documents and insider accounts from the agents tasked with defending American freedoms.

CODES & CONSPIRACIES
World Premiere Series: Sunday, March 9 at 10/9c
New Episode Premieres Every Sunday at 10/9c
This all-new American Heroes Channel series unveils the startling truth and hidden history behind the world’s most iconic, clandestine institutions, top-secret locations, and mysterious symbols.