KAEF-TV (ABC) · Channel 23
Full power TV station · Arcata, California
KAEF-TV is a full power over-the-air TV station affiliated with ABC on virtual channel 23, licensed to Arcata, California. Its signal is estimated to reach about 20 cities and towns within 69 miles.
About KAEF-TV
Full-power stations are the main licensed broadcasters in a market. They may run the highest power from the tallest towers and are protected from interference, so they set the core of what you can receive.
At 45 kW effective radiated power, KAEF-TV runs more power than 25% of full-power TV stations nationwide (median: 273 kW). Stations on VHF channels are licensed at much lower power than UHF stations to cover the same area, so a low figure does not always mean a weak signal.
Its antenna sits 550 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 79% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 68 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 69 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 20 cities and towns in our guide with about 125,000 residents, as far as Eureka, CA (11 miles).
KAEF-TV shares its transmitter site with KECA-LD (CW), KBVU, KEET (PBS), KEMY-LD, KEUV-LD (Univision) and K35LF-D. One antenna aimed at this site picks up all of them.
The nearest other ABC station in our data is KRCR-TV in Redding, CA, 70 miles away. Viewers between the two can sometimes receive both.
ABC is one of the four big commercial broadcast networks. Local ABC affiliates carry the national morning, evening news and primetime schedule alongside their own local newscasts, and the network carries major sports such as NBA games.
Station facts
| Network | ABC |
| Virtual channel | 23 |
| Station type | Full power (DTV) |
| City of license | Arcata, CA |
| Tower location | 40.72731, -123.97253 |
| Effective radiated power | 45 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | 550 m (1,804 ft) |
| FCC facility ID | 8263 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive KAEF-TV
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayside, CA | 9.3 mi | 149° SSE | Good |
| Myrtletown, CA | 9.3 mi | 117° ESE | Good |
| Cutten, CA | 9.4 mi | 108° ESE | Good |
| Pine Hills, CA | 9.4 mi | 92° E | Good |
| Blue Lake, CA | 11 mi | 177° S | Good |
| Arcata, CA | 11 mi | 149° SSE | Good |
| Eureka, CA | 11 mi | 117° ESE | Good |
| Humboldt Hill, CA | 11 mi | 89° E | Good |
| Bayview, CA | 12 mi | 106° ESE | Good |
| Fortuna, CA | 13 mi | 47° NE | Good |
| Hydesville, CA | 14 mi | 28° NNE | Good |
| McKinleyville, CA | 17 mi | 156° SSE | Good |
| Rio Dell, CA | 17 mi | 24° NNE | Good |
| Ferndale, CA | 19 mi | 56° NE | Good |
| Westhaven-Moonstone, CA | 23 mi | 163° SSE | Fair |
| Willow Creek, CA | 23 mi | 231° SW | Fair |
| Redway, CA | 43 mi | 349° N | Fair |
| Hayfork, CA | 43 mi | 286° WNW | Fair |
| Weaverville, CA | 54 mi | 270° W | Fair |
| Lewiston, CA | 61 mi | 272° W | Fair |
Other network stations nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the KAEF-TV transmitter tower?
KAEF-TV broadcasts from a tower at 40.7273, -123.9725, near Bayside, CA. It is licensed to Arcata, California.
What channel is KAEF-TV on?
KAEF-TV appears as virtual channel 23 (23.1 and its subchannels) when you scan with an antenna, carrying ABC.
How far does KAEF-TV broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 69 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 78 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch KAEF-TV with an antenna?
About 125,000 people live in the 20 cities and towns within its estimated fair-signal range, not counting rural residents between them.
Which way do I point my antenna for KAEF-TV?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the KAEF-TV tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.