The DVIDS service is paid for by the US Department of Defense via the Department of the Army, Third Army/US Army Central (ARCENT).
Is DVIDS run by the military?
DVIDS
Is a state-of-the-art, 24/7 operation owned by DMA (Defense Media Activity) that provides a timely, accurate and reliable connection between the media around the world and the military serving at home and abroad.
Through a network of portable Ku-band satellite transmitters’ located in-theater, robust IP connections, and a distribution hub DVIDS makes available real-time broadcast-quality video, still images and print products as well as immediate interview opportunities with service members, commanders and subject matter experts.
DMA (Defense Media Activity)
Defense Media Activity keeps Department of Defense audiences around the world informed, collects and preserves the Department’s visual information records and trains the Department’s Public Affairs and Visual Information professionals.
DMA is the DoD’s direct line of communication for news and information to U.S. forces deployed worldwide, on land, sea and air. It presents news, information and entertainment through media outlets, including radio, TV, Internet, print media and emerging media technologies. DMA broadcasts radio and television to forces in 177 countries and 279 Navy ships at sea with Department-specific news and information programming.
I wouldn't say unknown
https://www.dvidshub.net/about/faq
DVIDS Content
Who pays for DVIDS?
The DVIDS service is paid for by the US Department of Defense via the Department of the Army, Third Army/US Army Central (ARCENT).
Is DVIDS run by the military? DVIDS
Is a state-of-the-art, 24/7 operation owned by DMA (Defense Media Activity) that provides a timely, accurate and reliable connection between the media around the world and the military serving at home and abroad.
Through a network of portable Ku-band satellite transmitters’ located in-theater, robust IP connections, and a distribution hub DVIDS makes available real-time broadcast-quality video, still images and print products as well as immediate interview opportunities with service members, commanders and subject matter experts.
DMA (Defense Media Activity)
Defense Media Activity keeps Department of Defense audiences around the world informed, collects and preserves the Department’s visual information records and trains the Department’s Public Affairs and Visual Information professionals.
DMA is the DoD’s direct line of communication for news and information to U.S. forces deployed worldwide, on land, sea and air. It presents news, information and entertainment through media outlets, including radio, TV, Internet, print media and emerging media technologies. DMA broadcasts radio and television to forces in 177 countries and 279 Navy ships at sea with Department-specific news and information programming.
I guess I should have just said "not commonly known by most people"