TV channels & antenna towers in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile has 26 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS, CW and Telemundo. About 20 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WEIQ, 9.3 miles to the ESE.
Network channels in Mobile
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSWKRG-TVCBS | 5 | 13 mi | 92° E | Strong | Mobile, AL |
| CWWFNACW | 55 | 13 mi | 92° E | Strong | Gulf Shores, AL |
| FOXWALA-TVFox | 10 | 15 mi | 92° E | Good | Mobile, AL |
| TLMWMBP-LDTelemundo | 31 | 15 mi | 92° E | Fair | Mobile, AL |
| ABCWEAR-TVABC | 3 | 24 mi | 103° ESE | Strong | Pensacola, FL |
| PBSWSREPBS | 23 | 27 mi | 102° ESE | Good | Pensacola, FL |
| TBNWMPV-TVTrinity | 21 | 27 mi | 102° ESE | Good | Mobile, AL |
| CWWXXV-TVCW | 25.3 | 60 mi | 274° W | Fair | Gulfport, MS |
| MeTVWTBL-LDMeTV | 51.1 | 61 mi | 250° WSW | Poor | Biloxi, MS |
| ABCWLOXABC | 13 | 62 mi | 272° W | Fair | Biloxi, MS |
Over-the-air TV in Mobile
Mobile, Alabama has a population of about 194,000. There are 26 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 16 full-power, 1 Class A and 9 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 20 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 15 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 11 transmitters are within 25 miles, 8 between 25 and 45 miles, and 7 farther out. Mobile is a broadcast hub in its own right: four of the 10 network stations in range are licensed here.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 3 (WEAR-TV), CBS on channel 5 (WKRG-TV), Fox on channel 10 (WALA-TV), PBS on channel 23 (WSRE), CW on channel 55 (WFNA), Telemundo on channel 31 (WMBP-LD), MeTV on channel 51.1 (WTBL-LD) and Trinity on channel 21 (WMPV-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WDSU in New Orleans, LA, 125 miles to the southwest. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (fair signal). 8 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Mobile
Point your antenna E, at about 97°. The main network towers for Mobile sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, WKRG-TV, WFNA and WALA-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 13 miles east of Mobile (92° E). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 8 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Mobile at fair strength or better, 75% arrive from the east; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Mobile, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Mobile
The farthest main network tower for Mobile is WSRE (PBS), 27 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
WEIQ is only 9.3 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Other stations near Mobile
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEIQFull power | 9.3 mi | 105° ESE | Strong | Mobile, AL |
| WGOX-LDLow power | 12 mi | 95° E | Good | Mobile, AL |
| WEDS-LDLow power | 20 mi | 142° SE | Fair | Mobile, AL |
| WFGXFull power | 24 mi | 103° ESE | Strong | Fort Walton Beach, FL |
| WHBRFull power | 24 mi | 103° ESE | Strong | Pensacola, FL |
| WWBH-LDLow power | 24 mi | 103° ESE | Fair | Mobile, AL |
| WPMI-TVFull power | 27 mi | 102° ESE | Good | Mobile, AL |
| WDPM-DTFull power | 27 mi | 102° ESE | Good | Mobile, AL |
| WJTCFull power | 30 mi | 104° ESE | Good | Pensacola, FL |
| W33EG-DLow power | 32 mi | 252° WSW | Weak | Lumberton, MS |
| WPANFull power | 38 mi | 89° E | Good | Fort Walton Beach, FL |
| WXVO-LDLow power | 42 mi | 250° WSW | Poor | Biloxi, MS |
| W19CO-DLow power | 46 mi | 105° ESE | Poor | Pensacola, FL |
| WCTU-LDLow power | 49 mi | 108° ESE | Poor | Pensacola, FL |
| WBQP-CDClass A | 52 mi | 110° ESE | Poor | Pensacola, FL |
| WMAH-TVFull power | 54 mi | 275° W | Good | Biloxi, MS |
How Mobile compares with the rest of Alabama
With 20 stations at fair strength or better, Mobile ranks 78th of 314 places in Alabama: more than the typical Alabama town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 13 miles away, against a state median of 22 miles.
43% of Alabama's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Mobile: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 102° ESE, the direction of WSRE (PBS), 27 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 20 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Mobile, AL?
ABC is on channel 3 from WEAR-TV, broadcasting from 24 miles ESE of Mobile. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is CBS in Mobile, AL?
CBS is on channel 5 from WKRG-TV, broadcasting from 13 miles E of Mobile. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is Fox in Mobile, AL?
Fox is on channel 10 from WALA-TV, broadcasting from 15 miles E of Mobile. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is PBS in Mobile, AL?
PBS is on channel 23 from WSRE, broadcasting from 27 miles ESE of Mobile. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Mobile, AL?
CW is on channel 55 from WFNA, broadcasting from 13 miles E of Mobile. Estimated signal: strong.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Mobile?
26 transmitters within 70 miles of Mobile; around 20 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Mobile?
Point your antenna E, at about 97°. The main network towers for Mobile sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Mobile?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Mobile?
WEIQ is only 9.3 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Mobile?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Alabama cities
- Prichard3.7 mi
- Chickasaw5.2 mi
- Spanish Fort7.7 mi
- Saraland8.9 mi
- Daphne10 mi
- Tillmans Corner10 mi
- Satsuma11 mi
- Theodore13 mi
- Semmes14 mi
- Fairhope14 mi
- Bay Minette21 mi
- Robertsdale22 mi
- Grand Bay23 mi
- Mount Vernon27 mi
- Foley29 mi
- Citronelle30 mi
- Dauphin Island31 mi
- Gulf Shores37 mi
- Orange Beach39 mi
- Atmore40 mi
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in Alabama · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Mobile; signal estimates ignore terrain.