WPBN-TV (ABC) · Channel 7.2
Full power TV station · Traverse City, Michigan
WPBN-TV is a full power over-the-air TV station affiliated with ABC on virtual channel 7.2, licensed to Traverse City, Michigan. Its signal is estimated to reach about 39 cities and towns within 70 miles.
About WPBN-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 850 kW effective radiated power, WPBN-TV runs more power than 75% of full-power TV stations nationwide (median: 273 kW).
Its antenna sits 393 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 55% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 58 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.
We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 70 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 39 cities and towns in our guide with about 106,000 residents.
WPBN-TV shares its transmitter site with WCMV and WGTU (ABC). One antenna aimed at this site picks up all of them.
The nearest other ABC station in our data is WGTU in Traverse City, MI, 0.0 miles away. Viewers between the two can sometimes receive both.
ABC is one of the four big commercial broadcast networks. Local ABC affiliates carry the national morning, evening news and primetime schedule alongside their own local newscasts, and the network carries major sports such as NBA games.
Station facts
| Network | ABC |
| Virtual channel | 7.2 |
| Station type | Full power (DTV) |
| City of license | Traverse City, MI |
| Tower location | 44.74806, -85.06889 |
| Effective radiated power | 850 kW |
| Antenna height (HAAT) | 393 m (1,289 ft) |
| FCC facility ID | 21253 |
| License status | Licensed |
Cities that can receive WPBN-TV
Estimated with an outdoor antenna. Direction is from the city toward the tower.
| City | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalkaska, MI | 5.3 mi | 80° E | Strong |
| Mancelona, MI | 11 mi | 182° S | Strong |
| Rapid City, MI | 12 mi | 120° ESE | Strong |
| Bellaire, MI | 17 mi | 156° SSE | Strong |
| Grayling, MI | 18 mi | 289° WNW | Strong |
| Elk Rapids, MI | 20 mi | 121° ESE | Strong |
| Kingsley, MI | 26 mi | 64° ENE | Good |
| Traverse City, MI | 27 mi | 92° E | Good |
| Gaylord, MI | 27 mi | 225° SW | Good |
| Greilickville, MI | 28 mi | 95° E | Good |
| Manton, MI | 28 mi | 35° NE | Good |
| East Jordan, MI | 28 mi | 175° S | Good |
| Roscommon, MI | 29 mi | 307° NW | Good |
| Lake City, MI | 29 mi | 14° NNE | Good |
| Boyne City, MI | 32 mi | 185° S | Good |
| Houghton Lake, MI | 33 mi | 334° NNW | Good |
| Prudenville, MI | 37 mi | 327° NNW | Good |
| Cadillac, MI | 38 mi | 25° NNE | Good |
| Lewiston, MI | 39 mi | 256° WSW | Good |
| Leland, MI | 39 mi | 119° ESE | Good |
| Charlevoix, MI | 40 mi | 167° SSE | Good |
| Saint Helen, MI | 42 mi | 310° NW | Good |
| Bay Harbor, MI | 43 mi | 179° S | Good |
| Petoskey, MI | 44 mi | 187° S | Good |
| Mio, MI | 47 mi | 278° W | Good |
| Harbor Springs, MI | 47 mi | 185° S | Good |
| Atlanta, MI | 49 mi | 249° WSW | Good |
| Beulah, MI | 51 mi | 81° E | Good |
| Indian River, MI | 51 mi | 206° SSW | Good |
| Harrison, MI | 52 mi | 345° NNW | Good |
| West Branch, MI | 52 mi | 309° NW | Good |
| Frankfort, MI | 58 mi | 82° E | Good |
| Evart, MI | 59 mi | 9° N | Good |
| Gladwin, MI | 60 mi | 332° NNW | Good |
| Reed City, MI | 64 mi | 20° NNE | Fair |
| Skidway Lake, MI | 64 mi | 308° NW | Fair |
| Clare, MI | 66 mi | 347° NNW | Fair |
| Beaverton, MI | 66 mi | 334° NNW | Fair |
| Cheboygan, MI | 69 mi | 205° SSW | Fair |
Other network stations nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the WPBN-TV transmitter tower?
WPBN-TV broadcasts from a tower at 44.7481, -85.0689, near Kalkaska, MI. It is licensed to Traverse City, Michigan.
What channel is WPBN-TV on?
WPBN-TV appears as virtual channel 7.2 (7.2.1 and its subchannels) when you scan with an antenna, carrying ABC.
How far does WPBN-TV broadcast?
With an outdoor antenna, reception is usually workable up to about 70 miles from the tower, and possible in good conditions out to roughly 78 miles. Hills and buildings can shorten that.
How many people can watch WPBN-TV with an antenna?
About 106,000 people live in the 39 cities and towns within its estimated fair-signal range, not counting rural residents between them.
Which way do I point my antenna for WPBN-TV?
Open the live finder from your address to get the exact compass bearing to the WPBN-TV tower, or use the table above if your city is listed.