RCA Signal Finder

TV channels & antenna towers in Payson, Arizona

Payson has 28 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying NBC, CW and Univision. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K34PG-D, 8.5 miles to the ENE.

Open Payson in the live finder
28TV transmitters within 70 miles
3networks over the air
8.5 mito the closest tower
15,345population

Network channels in Payson

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
NBCKNAZ-TVNBC2 52 mi348° NNW GoodFlagstaff, AZ
UNIKTVW-CDUnivision33 52 mi348° NNW PoorFlagstaff/Doney Park, AZ
CWKAZT-TVCW7 55 mi305° NW WeakPrescott, AZ

Over-the-air TV in Payson

Payson is a city of about 15,300 people in Arizona. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 28 licensed TV transmitters: 4 full-power, 1 Class A, 7 low-power and 16 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 2 transmitters are within 25 miles, 6 between 25 and 45 miles, and 20 farther out.

The best-placed network stations are NBC on channel 2 (KNAZ-TV), CW on channel 7 (KAZT-TV) and Univision on channel 33 (KTVW-CD). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KNXV-TV in Phoenix, AZ, 75 miles to the southwest. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KPHO-TV in Phoenix, AZ, 75 miles to the southwest. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Univision (very weak signal). 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 Payson

Point your antenna NNW, at about 348°. The main network towers for Payson sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

Two network stations, KNAZ-TV and KTVW-CD, transmit from the same tower site about 52 miles north of Payson (348° NNW). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.

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

Antenna and amplifier advice for Payson

The farthest main network tower for Payson is KNAZ-TV (NBC), 52 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.

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 Payson

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

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
K34PG-DLow power8.5 mi 63° ENEFairPayson, AZ
KPSN-LDLow power8.7 mi 62° ENEFairPayson, AZ
K21GE-DLow power35 mi 298° WNWPoorCamp Verde, AZ
K23FZ-DTranslator35 mi 298° WNWPoorCamp Verde, AZ
K19FD-DLow power35 mi 298° WNWPoorCamp Verde, AZ
K25MK-DTranslator35 mi 298° WNWPoorCamp Verde, AZ
K30OI-DTranslator35 mi 298° WNWPoorCamp Verde, AZ
K32ME-DTranslator35 mi 298° WNWPoorCamp Verde, Etc., AZ
KFPH-DTFull power52 mi 348° NNWFairFlagstaff, AZ
KAZFFull power52 mi 348° NNWFairFlagstaff, AZ
K21ON-DLow power52 mi 348° NNWPoorFlagstaff, AZ
K34EE-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorPrescott-Cottonwood, AZ
K35MU-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorCottonwood, Etc., AZ
K28OA-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorCottonwood, AZ
K29LM-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorCottonwood, Etc., AZ
K36AE-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorClarkdale, AZ
K16BP-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorCottonwood, AZ
K33NZ-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorCottonwood, AZ
K18DD-DLow power55 mi 305° NWPoorCamp Verde, AZ
K06AE-DTranslator55 mi 305° NWPoorPrescott, AZ
K31NF-DLow power55 mi 305° NWPoorVerde Valley, Etc., AZ
K31NV-DTranslator67 mi 157° SSEPoorGlobe-Miami, AZ
K26OD-DTranslator67 mi 157° SSEPoorGlobe, AZ
K27KS-DTranslator67 mi 157° SSEPoorGlobe/Miami, AZ
K14NA-DTranslator67 mi 157° SSEPoorGlobe & Miami, AZ

How Payson compares with the rest of Arizona

With 5 stations at fair strength or better, Payson ranks 151st of 215 places in Arizona: fewer than the typical Arizona town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 52 miles away, against a state median of 26 miles.

46% of Arizona's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.

Setting up an antenna in Payson: step by step

  1. 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.
  2. Point it toward 348° NNW, the direction of KNAZ-TV (NBC), 52 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 5 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 Payson, AZ?

NBC is on channel 2 from KNAZ-TV, broadcasting from 52 miles NNW of Payson. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is CW in Payson, AZ?

CW is on channel 7 from KAZT-TV, broadcasting from 55 miles NW of Payson. Estimated signal: weak.

What channel is Univision in Payson, AZ?

Univision is on channel 33 from KTVW-CD, broadcasting from 52 miles NNW of Payson. Estimated signal: very weak.

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

28 transmitters within 70 miles of Payson; around 5 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 Payson?

Point your antenna NNW, at about 348°. The main network towers for Payson sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in Payson?

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 Payson?

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 Payson?

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 Arizona cities

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