TV stations in Alabama

Alabama has 101 licensed TV transmitters: 43 full-power, 9 Class A, 47 low-power and 2 translator stations. Translators make up 2% of the total, below the national share of 41%, a sign that most people live within reach of the main towers.

Most full-power and Class A stations are licensed to Birmingham (7), Huntsville (6), Mobile (6) and Montgomery (5). Those cities are where the main broadcast hubs sit, and most viewers aim their antennas toward one of them.

The most powerful full-power transmitter in Alabama is WABM (ABC) in Birmingham, at 1,000 kW effective radiated power. The tallest is WSES near Tuscaloosa, 661 m (2,168 ft) above the surrounding terrain.

We ran a reception estimate for all 314 cities and towns in Alabama. A typical place gets 16 stations at fair strength or better (national median: 17), and its nearest major network tower is about 22 miles away. 29% of places can use an indoor antenna, 43% need an amplified or attic antenna, 28% an outdoor directional antenna and 0% a long-range setup.

Weighted by population, the share of residents with a listed affiliate at fair strength or better is: ABC 99%, CBS 94%, NBC 81% and Fox 99%.

Kimberly has the most stations in reach (27). Grove Hill is the hardest place to get network TV over the air: its nearest major network tower is 66 miles away.