TV channels & antenna towers in Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan has 1 TV transmitter within 70 miles, carrying NBC. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KUBD (NBC), 1.2 miles to the WNW.
Network channels in Ketchikan
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKUBDNBC | 2 | 1.2 mi | 297° WNW | Good | Ketchikan, AK |
Over-the-air TV in Ketchikan
With roughly 8,200 residents, Ketchikan is a town in Alaska. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 1 licensed TV transmitter. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 0 between 25 and 45 miles, and 0 farther out.
The best-placed network stations are NBC on channel 2 (KUBD). No ABC, CBS or Fox affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Ketchikan.
Which way to point your antenna in Ketchikan
Point your antenna WNW, at about 297°. The main network towers for Ketchikan sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Ketchikan, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Ketchikan
The farthest main network tower for Ketchikan is KUBD (NBC), 1.2 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an indoor antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
How Ketchikan compares with the rest of Alaska
With 1 station at fair strength or better, Ketchikan ranks 39th of 69 places in Alaska: fewer than the typical Alaska town (2). Its nearest major network tower is 1.2 miles away, against a state median of 19 miles.
25% of Alaska's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an indoor antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Ketchikan: step by step
- Place the antenna high on a window or wall that faces the towers. Upstairs is better than downstairs.
- Point it toward 297° WNW, the direction of KUBD (NBC), 1.2 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 1 station, 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 NBC in Ketchikan, AK?
NBC is on channel 2 from KUBD, broadcasting from 1.2 miles WNW of Ketchikan. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Ketchikan?
1 transmitter within 70 miles of Ketchikan; around 1 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 Ketchikan?
Point your antenna WNW, at about 297°. The main network towers for Ketchikan sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan?
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan; signal estimates ignore terrain.