KTEL-TV
Full power TV station · Carlsbad, New Mexico
KTEL-TV is a full power over-the-air TV station, licensed to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Its signal is estimated to reach about 5 cities and towns within 41 miles.
About KTEL-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 41 kW effective radiated power, KTEL-TV runs more power than 24% 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 120 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 2% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 36 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 41 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 5 cities and towns in our guide with about 44,700 residents, as far as Carlsbad, NM (2.6 miles).
KTEL-TV shares its transmitter site with K17MN-D. 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 | Carlsbad, NM |
| Tower location | 32.43600, -104.18778 |
| Effective radiated power | 41 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | 120 m (395 ft) |
| FCC facility ID | 83707 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive KTEL-TV
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Huerta, NM | 2.0 mi | 104° ESE | Strong |
| Carlsbad, NM | 2.6 mi | 66° ENE | Strong |
| Loving, NM | 12 mi | 333° NNW | Good |
| Atoka, NM | 26 mi | 153° SSE | Fair |
| Artesia, NM | 31 mi | 156° SSE | Fair |
Frequently asked questions
Where is the KTEL-TV transmitter tower?
KTEL-TV broadcasts from a tower at 32.4360, -104.1878, near La Huerta, NM. It is licensed to Carlsbad, New Mexico.
How far does KTEL-TV broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 41 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 49 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch KTEL-TV with an antenna?
About 44,700 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 KTEL-TV?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the KTEL-TV tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.