RCA Signal Finder

TV channels & antenna towers in Ester, Alaska

Ester has 7 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying NBC, PBS, CW and Trinity. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KJNP-TV (Trinity), 2.5 miles to the NNW.

Open Ester in the live finder
7TV transmitters within 70 miles
4networks over the air
2.5 mito the closest tower
2,422population

Network channels in Ester

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
TBNKJNP-TVTrinity4 2.5 mi331° NNW StrongNorth Pole, AK
NBCKTVFNBC11 2.5 mi331° NNW StrongFairbanks, AK
PBSKUAC-TVPBS9 8.2 mi57° ENE GoodFairbanks, AK
CWKATNCW2.3 10 mi59° ENE GoodFairbanks, AK

Over-the-air TV in Ester

Ester, Alaska has a population of about 2,420. Our map shows 7 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 4 full-power, 2 Class A and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 5 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 6 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 0 farther out. Three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed to Fairbanks, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Fairbanks's stations.

The best-placed network stations are NBC on channel 11 (KTVF), PBS on channel 9 (KUAC-TV), CW on channel 2.3 (KATN) and Trinity on channel 4 (KJNP-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KYES-TV in Anchorage, AK, 244 miles to the south. No ABC or Fox affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Ester.

Which way to point your antenna in Ester

The main network towers around Ester are in different directions: NBC 331° NNW (2.5 mi) and PBS 57° ENE (8.2 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

Two network stations, KJNP-TV and KTVF, transmit from the same tower site about 2.5 miles northwest of Ester (331° NNW). That one direction covers every station on the site.

Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Ester at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the northwest; the rest are spread across one other direction.

All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Ester, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Ester

The farthest main network tower for Ester is KUAC-TV (PBS), 8.2 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an indoor antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.

KJNP-TV is only 2.5 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 Ester

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
KFXF-CDClass A9.5 mi 105° ESEGoodFairbanks, AK
K13XD-DClass A10 mi 59° ENEFairFairbanks, AK
K08OV-DTranslator37 mi 240° WSWPoorNenana, AK

How Ester compares with the rest of Alaska

With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Ester ranks 18th of 69 places in Alaska: more than the typical Alaska town (2). Its nearest major network tower is 2.5 miles away, against a state median of 19 miles.

25% of Alaska's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an indoor antenna. The nearest larger city is Fairbanks, 8.8 miles away.

Setting up an antenna in Ester: step by step

  1. Place the antenna high on a window or wall that faces the towers. Upstairs is better than downstairs.
  2. Point it toward 57° ENE, the direction of KUAC-TV (PBS), 8.2 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
  3. Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
  4. Expect around 6 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
  5. Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is NBC in Ester, AK?

NBC is on channel 11 from KTVF, broadcasting from 2.5 miles NNW of Ester. Estimated signal: strong.

What channel is PBS in Ester, AK?

PBS is on channel 9 from KUAC-TV, broadcasting from 8.2 miles ENE of Ester. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is CW in Ester, AK?

CW is on channel 2.3 from KATN, broadcasting from 10 miles ENE of Ester. Estimated signal: good.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Ester?

7 transmitters within 70 miles of Ester; around 6 of them are likely to be receivable with indoor 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 Ester?

The main network towers around Ester are in different directions: NBC 331° NNW (2.5 mi) and PBS 57° ENE (8.2 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

What kind of antenna do I need in Ester?

Indoor antenna (up to ~25 miles). The main towers are close. A flat indoor antenna near a window facing the towers should pull in the major networks.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in Ester?

KJNP-TV is only 2.5 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 Ester?

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 Alaska cities

More: all TV stations in Alaska · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Ester; signal estimates ignore terrain.