TV channels & antenna towers in McKinleyville, California
McKinleyville has 22 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CW and Univision. About 9 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K32OI-D, 15 miles to the SSW.
Network channels in McKinleyville
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBSKEETPBS | 13 | 16 mi | 156° SSE | Good | Eureka, CA |
| ABCKAEF-TVABC | 23 | 17 mi | 156° SSE | Good | Arcata, CA |
| CWKECA-LDCW | 29 | 17 mi | 156° SSE | Fair | Eureka, CA |
| UNIKEUV-LDUnivision | 35 | 17 mi | 157° SSE | Fair | Eureka, CA |
| CBSKVIQ-LDCBS | 14 | 17 mi | 153° SSE | Fair | Eureka, CA |
| NBCKIEM-TVNBC | 3 | 17 mi | 153° SSE | Fair | Eureka, CA |
Over-the-air TV in McKinleyville
McKinleyville is a town of about 15,200 people in California. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 22 licensed TV transmitters: 4 full-power, 10 low-power and 8 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 9 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 13 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 8 farther out. Five of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Eureka, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Eureka's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 23 (KAEF-TV), CBS on channel 14 (KVIQ-LD), NBC on channel 3 (KIEM-TV), PBS on channel 13 (KEET), CW on channel 29 (KECA-LD) and Univision on channel 35 (KEUV-LD). No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KMVU-DT in Medford, OR, 117 miles to the northeast. 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 McKinleyville
Point your antenna SSE, at about 155°. The main network towers for McKinleyville sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, KEET, KAEF-TV and KIEM-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 16 miles southeast of McKinleyville (156° SSE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach McKinleyville at fair strength or better, all arrive from the southeast, so this is an easy place to aim.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from McKinleyville, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for McKinleyville
The farthest main network tower for McKinleyville is KIEM-TV (NBC), 17 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
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 McKinleyville
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K32OI-DLow power | 15 mi | 200° SSW | Weak | Eureka, CA |
| K16JJ-DLow power | 15 mi | 200° SSW | Weak | Eureka, CA |
| KBVUFull power | 17 mi | 156° SSE | Good | Eureka, CA |
| KEMY-LDLow power | 17 mi | 157° SSE | Fair | Eureka, CA |
| K35LF-DTranslator | 17 mi | 157° SSE | Fair | Eureka, CA |
| K21OO-DLow power | 17 mi | 199° SSW | Weak | South Eureka, Loleta, CA |
| K07GJ-DTranslator | 23 mi | 59° ENE | Poor | Hoopa, CA |
| K20CN-DLow power | 36 mi | 179° S | Poor | Fortuna, Rio Dell, CA |
| K05CR-DTranslator | 57 mi | 123° ESE | Poor | Hayfork, CA |
| K19KR-DLow power | 57 mi | 355° N | Poor | Crescent City, CA |
| K02EE-DTranslator | 61 mi | 105° ESE | Poor | Weaverville, CA |
| K05CF-DTranslator | 61 mi | 105° ESE | Poor | Weaverville, CA |
| K12JJ-DTranslator | 61 mi | 159° SSE | Poor | Benbow, Etc., CA |
| K25NO-DLow power | 62 mi | 11° N | Poor | Gasquet, CA |
| K02OD-DTranslator | 63 mi | 177° S | Poor | Shelter Cove, CA |
| K28CY-DTranslator | 69 mi | 105° ESE | Poor | Lewiston, CA |
How McKinleyville compares with the rest of California
With 9 stations at fair strength or better, McKinleyville ranks 959th of 1,078 places in California: fewer than the typical California town (25). Its nearest major network tower is 16 miles away, against a state median of 22 miles.
48% of California's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in McKinleyville: 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 153° SSE, the direction of KIEM-TV (NBC), 17 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 9 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 McKinleyville, CA?
ABC is on channel 23 from KAEF-TV, broadcasting from 17 miles SSE of McKinleyville. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in McKinleyville, CA?
CBS is on channel 14 from KVIQ-LD, broadcasting from 17 miles SSE of McKinleyville. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in McKinleyville, CA?
NBC is on channel 3 from KIEM-TV, broadcasting from 17 miles SSE of McKinleyville. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is PBS in McKinleyville, CA?
PBS is on channel 13 from KEET, broadcasting from 16 miles SSE of McKinleyville. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in McKinleyville, CA?
CW is on channel 29 from KECA-LD, broadcasting from 17 miles SSE of McKinleyville. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in McKinleyville?
22 transmitters within 70 miles of McKinleyville; around 9 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 McKinleyville?
Point your antenna SSE, at about 155°. The main network towers for McKinleyville sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in McKinleyville?
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 McKinleyville?
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 McKinleyville?
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 California cities
- Arcata5.6 mi
- Westhaven-Moonstone6.8 mi
- Bayside7.5 mi
- Blue Lake7.5 mi
- Eureka11 mi
- Myrtletown11 mi
- Cutten12 mi
- Bayview13 mi
- Pine Hills15 mi
- Humboldt Hill16 mi
- Fortuna24 mi
- Willow Creek24 mi
- Ferndale27 mi
- Hydesville28 mi
- Rio Dell31 mi
More: all TV stations in California · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of McKinleyville; signal estimates ignore terrain.