KAKM
Full power TV station · Anchorage, Alaska
KAKM is a full power over-the-air TV station, licensed to Anchorage, Alaska. Its signal is estimated to reach about 20 cities and towns within 51 miles.
About KAKM
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 50 kW effective radiated power, KAKM runs more power than 27% 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 240 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 15% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 47 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 51 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 20 cities and towns in our guide with about 414,000 residents, as far as Anchorage, AK (14 miles).
KAKM shares its transmitter site with KTUU-TV (NBC), KYUR (CW) and KYES-TV (CBS). One antenna aimed at this site picks up all of them.
Station facts
| Network | Independent / not listed |
| Virtual channel | Not listed |
| Station type | Full power (DTV) |
| City of license | Anchorage, AK |
| Tower location | 61.42222, -149.87444 |
| Effective radiated power | 50 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | 240 m (787 ft) |
| FCC facility ID | 804 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive KAKM
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Lake, AK | 7.3 mi | 159° SSE | Good |
| Knik-Fairview, AK | 11 mi | 236° SW | Good |
| Eagle River, AK | 12 mi | 305° NW | Good |
| Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK | 14 mi | 325° NW | Good |
| Anchorage, AK | 14 mi | 3° N | Good |
| Houston, AK | 14 mi | 187° S | Good |
| Meadow Lakes, AK | 17 mi | 213° SSW | Good |
| Wasilla, AK | 18 mi | 233° SW | Good |
| Tanaina, AK | 20 mi | 226° SW | Good |
| Lakes, AK | 23 mi | 236° SW | Good |
| Willow, AK | 23 mi | 167° SSE | Good |
| Gateway, AK | 23 mi | 244° WSW | Fair |
| Palmer, AK | 28 mi | 244° WSW | Fair |
| Farm Loop, AK | 28 mi | 238° WSW | Fair |
| Butte, AK | 29 mi | 254° WSW | Fair |
| Fishhook, AK | 31 mi | 224° SW | Fair |
| Lazy Mountain, AK | 34 mi | 246° WSW | Fair |
| Girdwood, AK | 41 mi | 325° NW | Fair |
| Sutton-Alpine, AK | 44 mi | 237° WSW | Fair |
| Susitna North, AK | 51 mi | 181° S | Fair |
Other network stations nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the KAKM transmitter tower?
KAKM broadcasts from a tower at 61.4222, -149.8744, near Big Lake, AK. It is licensed to Anchorage, Alaska.
How far does KAKM broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 51 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 60 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch KAKM with an antenna?
About 414,000 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 KAKM?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the KAKM tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.