WTPX-TV (ION) · Channel 46

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 24.5 kW effective radiated power, WTPX-TV runs more power than 13% 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 279 m above the average surrounding terrain, higher than 21% of full-power stations. Taller antennas see farther: this one's radio horizon is roughly 50 miles, beyond which the signal fades quickly.

We estimate a fair-or-better signal out to about 52 miles with an outdoor antenna. That area includes 42 cities and towns in our guide with about 245,000 residents, as far as Stevens Point, WI (38 miles).

The nearest other ION station in our data is WIFS in Janesville, WI, 139 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.