TV channels & antenna towers in Cairo, Illinois

Cairo, Illinois has a population of about 2,470. Our map shows 14 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 8 full-power, 1 Class A, 4 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 9 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 6 at good or strong strength.

1 of them is within 25 miles of Cairo, 10 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 3 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 5 network stations in range are licensed to Paducah, KY, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Paducah's stations.

The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 3 (WSIL-TV), NBC on channel 6 (WPSD-TV), Fox on channel 23 (KBSI), CW on channel 12.2 (KFVS-TV) and Telemundo on channel 18 (WQWQ-LD). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KMOV in St. Louis, MO, 122 miles to the northwest. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (weak signal). 4 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.

The main network towers around Cairo are in different directions: NBC 40° NE (17 mi) and Fox 323° NW (35 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Cairo at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the northwest; the rest are spread across two other directions.

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

The farthest main network tower for Cairo is KBSI (Fox), 35 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here.

WSIL-TV (ABC), 45 miles north, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.

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.

With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Cairo ranks 656th of 766 places in Illinois: fewer than the typical Illinois town (17). Its nearest major network tower is 17 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.

54% of Illinois's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Cape Girardeau, 28 miles away.