WCQA-LD (ION) · Channel 16.4
Low power TV station · Springfield, Illinois
WCQA-LD is a low power over-the-air TV station affiliated with ION on virtual channel 16.4, licensed to Springfield, Illinois. Its signal is estimated to reach about 15 cities and towns within 23 miles.
About WCQA-LD
Low-power (LPTV) stations serve a local area at reduced power. They have secondary status, which means they must not interfere with full-power stations and can be displaced by them.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 23 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 15 cities and towns in our guide with about 120,000 residents, as far as Decatur, IL (15 miles).
The nearest other ION station in our data is WRBU in East St. Louis, IL, 130 miles away. Viewers between the two can sometimes receive both.
ION Television is a commercial network built around crime and procedural drama series, with some live sports. It is carried free over the air in most large markets.
Station facts
| Network | ION |
| Virtual channel | 16.4 |
| Station type | Low power (LPD) |
| City of license | Springfield, IL |
| Tower location | 39.97106, -89.17436 |
| Effective radiated power | 3 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | Not listed |
| FCC facility ID | 181971 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive WCQA-LD
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pulaski, IL | 6.3 mi | 116° ESE | Fair |
| Warrensburg, IL | 6.5 mi | 294° WNW | Fair |
| Harristown, IL | 9.4 mi | 329° NNW | Fair |
| Forsyth, IL | 12 mi | 283° WNW | Fair |
| Maroa, IL | 12 mi | 249° WSW | Fair |
| Decatur, IL | 15 mi | 308° NW | Fair |
| Lincoln, IL | 16 mi | 141° SE | Fair |
| Clinton, IL | 17 mi | 221° SW | Fair |
| Blue Mound, IL | 19 mi | 352° N | Fair |
| Williamsville, IL | 20 mi | 87° E | Fair |
| Macon, IL | 20 mi | 332° NNW | Fair |
| Atlanta, IL | 20 mi | 171° S | Fair |
| Long Creek, IL | 21 mi | 302° WNW | Fair |
| Mount Zion, IL | 21 mi | 311° NW | Fair |
| Riverton, IL | 21 mi | 66° ENE | Fair |
Other network stations nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the WCQA-LD transmitter tower?
WCQA-LD broadcasts from a tower at 39.9711, -89.1744, near Mount Pulaski, IL. It is licensed to Springfield, Illinois.
What channel is WCQA-LD on?
WCQA-LD appears as virtual channel 16.4 (16.4.1 and its subchannels) when you scan with an antenna, carrying ION.
How far does WCQA-LD broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 23 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 34 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch WCQA-LD with an antenna?
About 120,000 people live in the 15 cities and towns within its estimated fair-signal range, not counting rural residents between them.
Which way do I point my antenna for WCQA-LD?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the WCQA-LD tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.