WCML
Full power TV station · Alpena, Michigan
WCML is a full power over-the-air TV station, licensed to Alpena, Michigan. Its signal is estimated to reach about 33 cities and towns within 68 miles.
About WCML
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 400 kW effective radiated power, WCML runs more power than 56% of full-power TV stations nationwide (median: 273 kW).
Its antenna sits 400 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 56% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 59 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 68 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 33 cities and towns in our guide with about 83,500 residents.
Station facts
| Network | Independent / not listed |
| Virtual channel | Not listed |
| Station type | Full power (DTV) |
| City of license | Alpena, MI |
| Tower location | 45.13814, -84.16211 |
| Effective radiated power | 400 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | 400 m (1,311 ft) |
| FCC facility ID | 9917 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive WCML
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, MI | 9.3 mi | 354° N | Strong |
| Lewiston, MI | 19 mi | 22° NNE | Good |
| Rogers City, MI | 26 mi | 221° SW | Good |
| Gaylord, MI | 26 mi | 73° ENE | Good |
| Indian River, MI | 29 mi | 131° SE | Good |
| Mio, MI | 34 mi | 357° N | Good |
| Alpena, MI | 36 mi | 279° W | Good |
| Cheboygan, MI | 38 mi | 157° SSE | Good |
| Hubbard Lake, MI | 40 mi | 311° NW | Good |
| Boyne City, MI | 42 mi | 97° E | Good |
| Petoskey, MI | 42 mi | 113° ESE | Good |
| Grayling, MI | 43 mi | 39° NE | Good |
| Harbor Springs, MI | 45 mi | 116° ESE | Good |
| Mancelona, MI | 47 mi | 69° ENE | Good |
| East Jordan, MI | 47 mi | 91° E | Good |
| Bay Harbor, MI | 47 mi | 109° ESE | Good |
| Roscommon, MI | 49 mi | 25° NNE | Good |
| Bellaire, MI | 52 mi | 78° ENE | Good |
| Harrisville, MI | 54 mi | 308° NW | Good |
| Charlevoix, MI | 55 mi | 103° ESE | Good |
| Saint Helen, MI | 55 mi | 13° NNE | Good |
| Kalkaska, MI | 57 mi | 60° ENE | Good |
| Saint Ignace, MI | 57 mi | 151° SSE | Good |
| Rapid City, MI | 59 mi | 69° ENE | Good |
| West Branch, MI | 60 mi | 4° N | Fair |
| Sand Lake, MI | 61 mi | 338° NNW | Fair |
| Prudenville, MI | 63 mi | 22° NNE | Fair |
| Elk Rapids, MI | 64 mi | 74° ENE | Fair |
| Houghton Lake, MI | 64 mi | 27° NNE | Fair |
| Au Sable, MI | 65 mi | 321° NW | Fair |
| Skidway Lake, MI | 66 mi | 355° N | Fair |
| East Tawas, MI | 68 mi | 331° NNW | Fair |
| Tawas City, MI | 68 mi | 332° NNW | Fair |
Other network stations nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the WCML transmitter tower?
WCML broadcasts from a tower at 45.1381, -84.1621, near Atlanta, MI. It is licensed to Alpena, Michigan.
How far does WCML broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 68 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 76 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch WCML with an antenna?
About 83,500 people live in the 33 cities and towns within its estimated fair-signal range, not counting rural residents between them.
Which way do I point my antenna for WCML?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the WCML tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.