TV channels & antenna towers in Thatcher, Arizona
Thatcher has 13 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and Univision. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K20GG-D, 26 miles to the E.
Network channels in Thatcher
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKTTUCW | 18 | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Good | Tucson, AZ |
| NBCKVOANBC | 4 | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Good | Tucson, AZ |
| FOXKMSBFox | 11 | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Good | Tucson, AZ |
| CBSKOLD-TVCBS | 13 | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Fair | Tucson, AZ |
| ABCKGUN-TVABC | 9 | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Fair | Tucson, AZ |
| UNIKUVE-DTUnivision | 46 | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Fair | Green Valley, AZ |
Over-the-air TV in Thatcher
Thatcher is a town of about 4,990 people in Arizona. There are 13 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 7 full-power, 1 Class A, 4 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 4 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 12 farther out. Five of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Tucson, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Tucson's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 9 (KGUN-TV), CBS on channel 13 (KOLD-TV), NBC on channel 4 (KVOA), Fox on channel 11 (KMSB), CW on channel 18 (KTTU) and Univision on channel 46 (KUVE-DT). Spanish-language viewers can pick up Univision (fair signal). 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Thatcher
Point your antenna WSW, at about 242°. The main network towers for Thatcher sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Six network stations, KTTU, KVOA, KMSB, KOLD-TV and KGUN-TV and others, transmit from the same tower site about 63 miles southwest of Thatcher (242° WSW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Thatcher at fair strength or better, all arrive from the southwest, so this is an easy place to aim.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Thatcher, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Thatcher
The farthest main network tower for Thatcher is KGUN-TV (ABC), 63 miles away with a fair 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 Thatcher
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K20GG-DTranslator | 26 mi | 84° E | Weak | Duncan, AZ |
| KUAT-TVFull power | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Good | Tucson, AZ |
| KUDF-LPLow power | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Poor | Tucson, AZ |
| KFTU-CDClass A | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Poor | Tucson, AZ |
| K35OU-DLow power | 63 mi | 242° WSW | Poor | Tucson, AZ |
| K18NN-DLow power | 69 mi | 296° WNW | Poor | Globe, AZ |
| KDOS-LDLow power | 69 mi | 296° WNW | Poor | Globe, AZ |
How Thatcher compares with the rest of Arizona
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Thatcher ranks 142nd of 215 places in Arizona: fewer than the typical Arizona town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 63 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 Thatcher: 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 242° WSW, the direction of KGUN-TV (ABC), 63 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 7 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 Thatcher, AZ?
ABC is on channel 9 from KGUN-TV, broadcasting from 63 miles WSW of Thatcher. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Thatcher, AZ?
CBS is on channel 13 from KOLD-TV, broadcasting from 63 miles WSW of Thatcher. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Thatcher, AZ?
NBC is on channel 4 from KVOA, broadcasting from 63 miles WSW of Thatcher. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Thatcher, AZ?
Fox is on channel 11 from KMSB, broadcasting from 63 miles WSW of Thatcher. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Thatcher, AZ?
CW is on channel 18 from KTTU, broadcasting from 63 miles WSW of Thatcher. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Thatcher?
13 transmitters within 70 miles of Thatcher; around 7 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 Thatcher?
Point your antenna WSW, at about 242°. The main network towers for Thatcher sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Thatcher?
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 Thatcher?
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 Thatcher?
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
- Safford3.2 mi
- Pima5.2 mi
- Cactus Flat6.8 mi
- Swift Trail Junction8.7 mi
- Morenci28 mi
- Bylas29 mi
- Clifton30 mi
- Willcox41 mi
More: all TV stations in Arizona · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Thatcher; signal estimates ignore terrain.