TV channels & antenna towers in Sterling, Alaska
Sterling has 32 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 0 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K03FW-D, 11 miles to the W.
Network channels in Sterling
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXKTBYFox | 4 | 56 mi | 32° NNE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| NBCKTUU-TVNBC | 2 | 68 mi | 26° NNE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| CWKYURCW | 13.2 | 68 mi | 26° NNE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| CBSKYES-TVCBS | 5 | 68 mi | 26° NNE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| IONKDMDION | 33 | 69 mi | 37° NE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
Over-the-air TV in Sterling
With roughly 5,620 residents, Sterling is a town in Alaska. Our map shows 32 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 7 full-power, 1 Class A, 8 low-power and 16 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, none are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
4 of them are within 25 miles of Sterling, 4 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 24 are more than 45 miles out. Five of the 5 network stations in range are licensed to Anchorage, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Anchorage's stations.
The strongest network signals here are CBS on channel 5 (KYES-TV), NBC on channel 2 (KTUU-TV), Fox on channel 4 (KTBY), CW on channel 13.2 (KYUR) and ION on channel 33 (KDMD). No ABC affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Sterling. 2 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 Sterling
Point your antenna NNE, at about 28°. The main network towers for Sterling sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, KTUU-TV, KYUR and KYES-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 68 miles northeast of Sterling (26° NNE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
KYES-TV (CBS), KTUU-TV (NBC) and KTBY (Fox) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Sterling. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Sterling
The farthest main network tower for Sterling is KTUU-TV (NBC), 68 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Sterling
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 27; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K03FW-DTranslator | 11 mi | 268° W | Weak | Kenai, Etc, AK |
| K12LA-DTranslator | 11 mi | 268° W | Weak | Kenai, Etc., AK |
| K10NC-DTranslator | 11 mi | 268° W | Weak | Kenai, Etc., AK |
| K09QH-DTranslator | 11 mi | 268° W | Weak | Kenai, AK |
| K23OE-DLow power | 26 mi | 226° SW | Weak | Kasilof, AK |
| K31MD-DTranslator | 26 mi | 226° SW | Poor | Kasilof, AK |
| K25PI-DTranslator | 26 mi | 226° SW | Weak | Kasilof, AK |
| K08KO-DLow power | 35 mi | 95° E | Poor | Cooper Landing, AK |
| K15AP-DTranslator | 48 mi | 94° E | Poor | Moose Pass, AK |
| K21AM-DTranslator | 49 mi | 222° SW | Poor | Ninilchick, Etc., AK |
| K27AI-DTranslator | 49 mi | 222° SW | Poor | Ninilchik, Etc., AK |
| K33AF-DTranslator | 49 mi | 222° SW | Poor | Ninilchik, AK |
| K35NZ-DTranslator | 49 mi | 222° SW | Poor | Ninilchick, AK |
| KCFT-CDClass A | 50 mi | 43° NE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| KNIK-LDLow power | 50 mi | 43° NE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| KACN-LDLow power | 53 mi | 35° NE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| K25QK-DLow power | 53 mi | 35° NE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| K17OX-DTranslator | 54 mi | 118° ESE | Poor | Seward, AK |
| KTVAFull power | 54 mi | 32° NNE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| K22HN-DLow power | 54 mi | 33° NNE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
| K07PG-DTranslator | 54 mi | 123° ESE | Poor | Seward, AK |
| K05FW-DTranslator | 63 mi | 62° ENE | Poor | Girdwood, AK |
| K08KA-DTranslator | 63 mi | 62° ENE | Poor | Girdwood, AK |
| K12MM-DTranslator | 63 mi | 62° ENE | Poor | Girdwood Valley, AK |
| KAKMFull power | 68 mi | 26° NNE | Poor | Anchorage, AK |
How Sterling compares with the rest of Alaska
With 0 stations at fair strength or better, Sterling ranks 57th of 69 places in Alaska: fewer than the typical Alaska town (2). Its nearest major network tower is 56 miles away, against a state median of 19 miles.
42% of Alaska's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Sterling: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 26° NNE, the direction of KTUU-TV (NBC), 68 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 0 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 CBS in Sterling, AK?
CBS is on channel 5 from KYES-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles NNE of Sterling. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is NBC in Sterling, AK?
NBC is on channel 2 from KTUU-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles NNE of Sterling. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is Fox in Sterling, AK?
Fox is on channel 4 from KTBY, broadcasting from 56 miles NNE of Sterling. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is CW in Sterling, AK?
CW is on channel 13.2 from KYUR, broadcasting from 68 miles NNE of Sterling. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Sterling?
32 transmitters within 70 miles of Sterling; around 0 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional 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 Sterling?
Point your antenna NNE, at about 28°. The main network towers for Sterling sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Sterling?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Sterling?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Sterling?
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 Sterling; signal estimates ignore terrain.