KRTV (CBS) · Channel 3
Full power TV station · Great Falls, Montana
KRTV is a full power over-the-air TV station affiliated with CBS on virtual channel 3, licensed to Great Falls, Montana. Its signal is estimated to reach about 5 cities and towns within 53 miles.
About KRTV
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 1,000 kW effective radiated power, KRTV runs more power than 79% of full-power TV stations nationwide (median: 273 kW).
Its antenna sits 146 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 4% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 39 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 53 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 5 cities and towns in our guide with about 67,900 residents, as far as Great Falls, MT (2.5 miles).
KRTV shares its transmitter site with KBGF-LD, KUGF and KFBB-TV (ABC). One antenna aimed at this site picks up all of them.
The nearest other CBS station in our data is KXLF-TV in Butte, MT, 119 miles away. Viewers between the two can sometimes receive both.
CBS is one of the four big commercial broadcast networks. Local CBS affiliates carry the network's news, daytime and primetime schedule plus local news, and CBS is the over-the-air home of many NFL Sunday afternoon games.
Station facts
| Network | CBS |
| Virtual channel | 3 |
| Station type | Full power (DTV) |
| City of license | Great Falls, MT |
| Tower location | 47.53542, -111.28486 |
| Effective radiated power | 1,000 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | 146 m (478 ft) |
| FCC facility ID | 35567 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive KRTV
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT | 2.5 mi | 17° NNE | Strong |
| Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT | 5.2 mi | 294° WNW | Strong |
| Sun Prairie, MT | 9.2 mi | 91° E | Strong |
| Fort Benton, MT | 35 mi | 236° SW | Good |
| Choteau, MT | 46 mi | 114° ESE | Fair |
Other network stations nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the KRTV transmitter tower?
KRTV broadcasts from a tower at 47.5354, -111.2849, near Great Falls, MT. It is licensed to Great Falls, Montana.
What channel is KRTV on?
KRTV appears as virtual channel 3 (3.1 and its subchannels) when you scan with an antenna, carrying CBS.
How far does KRTV broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 53 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 61 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch KRTV with an antenna?
About 67,900 people live in the 5 cities and towns within its estimated fair-signal range, not counting rural residents between them.
Which way do I point my antenna for KRTV?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the KRTV tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.