TV channels & antenna towers in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith has 25 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, Fox, CW and Univision. About 13 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KQRY-LD, 4.7 miles to the NNE.
Network channels in Fort Smith
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXKFTA-TVFox | 24 | 27 mi | 33° NNE | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| CWKHBSCW | 40.2 | 27 mi | 216° SW | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| CBSKFSM-TVCBS | 5 | 34 mi | 24° NNE | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| CWKHOG-TVCW | 29.2 | 47 mi | 22° NNE | Fair | Fayetteville, AR |
| UNIKWNL-CDUnivision | 14 | 54 mi | 13° NNE | Poor | Winslow, AR |
Over-the-air TV in Fort Smith
With roughly 88,200 residents, Fort Smith is a city in Arkansas. Our map shows 25 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 7 full-power, 7 Class A and 11 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 13 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 10 at good or strong strength.
6 of them are within 25 miles of Fort Smith, 6 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 13 are more than 45 miles out. Fort Smith is a broadcast hub in its own right: three of the 5 network stations in range are licensed here.
The best-placed network stations are CBS on channel 5 (KFSM-TV), Fox on channel 24 (KFTA-TV), CW on channel 40.2 (KHBS) and Univision on channel 14 (KWNL-CD). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KTUL in Tulsa, OK, 79 miles to the northwest. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KNWA-TV in Rogers, AR, 75 miles to the north. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Univision (very weak signal). 3 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 Fort Smith
Point your antenna NNE, at about 28°. The main network towers for Fort Smith sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Fort Smith at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the northeast; the rest are spread across two other directions.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Fort Smith, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Fort Smith
The farthest main network tower for Fort Smith is KFSM-TV (CBS), 34 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
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.
Other stations near Fort Smith
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KQRY-LDLow power | 4.7 mi | 24° NNE | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| KSJF-CDClass A | 4.7 mi | 24° NNE | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| KFDF-CDClass A | 4.7 mi | 24° NNE | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| K20OL-DLow power | 4.7 mi | 24° NNE | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| KHMF-LDLow power | 9.7 mi | 8° N | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| KXKY-LDLow power | 9.7 mi | 8° N | Good | Fort Smith, AR |
| KUFS-LDLow power | 27 mi | 216° SW | Fair | Fort Smith, AR |
| KQRY-LDLow power | 31 mi | 24° NNE | Weak | Lowell, AR |
| KAFTFull power | 36 mi | 35° NE | Fair | Fayetteville, AR |
| KWOGFull power | 48 mi | 13° NNE | Weak | Springdale, AR |
| KEGW-CDClass A | 54 mi | 12° NNE | Poor | Siloam Springs, AR |
| KWFT-LDLow power | 54 mi | 12° NNE | Poor | Siloam Springs, AR |
| KKAF-LDLow power | 54 mi | 13° NNE | Poor | Fayetteville, AR |
| KPBI-CDClass A | 54 mi | 13° NNE | Poor | Bentonville, AR |
| KFFS-CDClass A | 54 mi | 13° NNE | Poor | Fayetteville, AR |
| KAJL-LDLow power | 54 mi | 13° NNE | Poor | Fayetteville, AR |
| KFLU-LDLow power | 54 mi | 13° NNE | Poor | Fayetteville, AR |
| KOETFull power | 55 mi | 256° WSW | Good | Eufaula, OK |
| KRAH-CDClass A | 65 mi | 99° E | Poor | Morrilton, AR |
| K28NT-DLow power | 67 mi | 3° N | Poor | Bentonville & Rogers, AR |
How Fort Smith compares with the rest of Arkansas
With 13 stations at fair strength or better, Fort Smith ranks 78th of 214 places in Arkansas: more than the typical Arkansas town (10). Its nearest major network tower is 27 miles away, against a state median of 29 miles.
38% of Arkansas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Fort Smith: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 24° NNE, the direction of KFSM-TV (CBS), 34 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 13 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 Fort Smith, AR?
CBS is on channel 5 from KFSM-TV, broadcasting from 34 miles NNE of Fort Smith. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Fort Smith, AR?
Fox is on channel 24 from KFTA-TV, broadcasting from 27 miles NNE of Fort Smith. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Fort Smith, AR?
CW is on channel 40.2 from KHBS, broadcasting from 27 miles SW of Fort Smith. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Univision in Fort Smith, AR?
Univision is on channel 14 from KWNL-CD, broadcasting from 54 miles NNE of Fort Smith. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Fort Smith?
25 transmitters within 70 miles of Fort Smith; around 13 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic 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 Fort Smith?
Point your antenna NNE, at about 28°. The main network towers for Fort Smith sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Fort Smith?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Fort Smith?
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 Fort Smith?
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 Arkansas cities
- Van Buren4.5 mi
- Alma12 mi
- Greenwood14 mi
- Mulberry21 mi
- Charleston21 mi
- Mansfield24 mi
- Booneville32 mi
- Ozark33 mi
- Waldron38 mi
- Paris38 mi
- Coal Hill41 mi
- Prairie Grove41 mi
- Farmington46 mi
- Elkins48 mi
- Fayetteville49 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Arkoma, OK3.0 mi
- Pocola, OK12 mi
- Sallisaw, OK22 mi
- Poteau, OK26 mi
- Stilwell, OK32 mi
- Vian, OK33 mi
- Heavener, OK36 mi
- Stigler, OK42 mi
- Tahlequah, OK49 mi
More: all TV stations in Arkansas · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Fort Smith; signal estimates ignore terrain.