KWCH-DT (CBS) · Channel 12
Full power TV station · Hutchinson, Kansas
KWCH-DT is a full power over-the-air TV station affiliated with CBS on virtual channel 12, licensed to Hutchinson, Kansas. Its signal is estimated to reach about 63 cities and towns within 72 miles.
About KWCH-DT
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, KWCH-DT runs more power than 79% of full-power TV stations nationwide (median: 273 kW).
Its antenna sits 421 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 59% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 60 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 72 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 63 cities and towns in our guide with about 751,000 residents, as far as Salina, KS (55 miles).
KWCH-DT shares its transmitter site with KSCW-DT (CW). One antenna aimed at this site picks up all of them.
The nearest other CBS station in our data is KBSH-DT in Hays, KS, 102 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 | 12 |
| Station type | Full power (DTV) |
| City of license | Hutchinson, KS |
| Tower location | 38.06044, -97.76381 |
| Effective radiated power | 1,000 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | 421 m (1,381 ft) |
| FCC facility ID | 66413 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive KWCH-DT
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hutchinson, KS | 9.0 mi | 90° E | Strong |
| South Hutchinson, KS | 9.9 mi | 77° ENE | Strong |
| Halstead, KS | 14 mi | 286° WNW | Strong |
| Hesston, KS | 19 mi | 254° WSW | Strong |
| McPherson, KS | 22 mi | 194° SSW | Strong |
| Newton, KS | 23 mi | 273° W | Strong |
| Maize, KS | 25 mi | 320° NW | Strong |
| Saint Marys, KS | 25 mi | 345° NNW | Strong |
| Sterling, KS | 26 mi | 113° ESE | Good |
| Valley Center, KS | 26 mi | 306° NW | Good |
| Goddard, KS | 30 mi | 340° NNW | Good |
| Cheney, KS | 30 mi | 2° N | Good |
| Park City, KS | 30 mi | 307° NW | Good |
| Lyons, KS | 31 mi | 129° SE | Good |
| Kechi, KS | 32 mi | 305° NW | Good |
| Bellaire, KS | 34 mi | 307° NW | Good |
| Kingman, KS | 34 mi | 34° NNE | Good |
| Wichita, KS | 34 mi | 318° NW | Good |
| Lindsborg, KS | 36 mi | 188° S | Good |
| Hillsboro, KS | 36 mi | 237° WSW | Good |
| Haysville, KS | 41 mi | 327° NNW | Good |
| Clearwater, KS | 41 mi | 340° NNW | Good |
| Andover, KS | 42 mi | 305° NW | Good |
| Derby, KS | 45 mi | 323° NW | Good |
| Rose Hill, KS | 49 mi | 315° NW | Good |
| Ellinwood, KS | 49 mi | 114° ESE | Good |
| Mulvane, KS | 49 mi | 325° NW | Good |
| Augusta, KS | 50 mi | 301° WNW | Good |
| El Dorado, KS | 52 mi | 289° WNW | Good |
| Ellsworth, KS | 53 mi | 151° SSE | Good |
| Salina, KS | 55 mi | 189° S | Good |
| Great Bend, KS | 58 mi | 111° ESE | Good |
| Wellington, KS | 59 mi | 339° NNW | Good |
| Pratt, KS | 60 mi | 61° ENE | Good |
| Herington, KS | 61 mi | 227° SW | Good |
| Hoisington, KS | 63 mi | 120° ESE | Good |
| Anthony, KS | 64 mi | 13° NNE | Fair |
| Clay Center, KS | 66 mi | 305° NW | Fair |
| Abilene, KS | 66 mi | 207° SSW | Fair |
| Winfield, KS | 71 mi | 324° NW | Fair |
Other network stations nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the KWCH-DT transmitter tower?
KWCH-DT broadcasts from a tower at 38.0604, -97.7638, near Buhler, KS. It is licensed to Hutchinson, Kansas.
What channel is KWCH-DT on?
KWCH-DT appears as virtual channel 12 (12.1 and its subchannels) when you scan with an antenna, carrying CBS.
How far does KWCH-DT broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 72 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 81 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch KWCH-DT with an antenna?
About 751,000 people live in the 63 cities and towns within its estimated fair-signal range, not counting rural residents between them.
Which way do I point my antenna for KWCH-DT?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the KWCH-DT tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.