TV channels & antenna towers in Canton, Illinois
Canton has 25 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, Fox, CW, ION and MeTV. About 14 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WSIO-LD, 23 miles to the NE.
Network channels in Canton
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MeTVWHOIMeTV | 19.6 | 26 mi | 79° E | Good | Peoria, IL |
| CWWEEK-TVCW | 25.3 | 26 mi | 79° E | Good | Peoria, IL |
| CBSWMBD-TVCBS | 31 | 27 mi | 78° ENE | Good | Peoria, IL |
| FOXWYZZ-TVFox | 43 | 45 mi | 82° E | Good | Bloomington, IL |
| FOXKLJBFox | 18 | 55 mi | 341° NNW | Good | Davenport, IA |
| ABCWQAD-TVABC | 8 | 55 mi | 341° NNW | Good | Moline, IL |
| TBNWMWC-TVTrinity | 53 | 55 mi | 341° NNW | Weak | Galesburg, IL |
| CWKGCWCW | 26 | 56 mi | 341° NNW | Good | Burlington, IA |
| ABCWICSABC | 20 | 60 mi | 150° SSE | Fair | Springfield, IL |
| FOXWRSP-TVFox | 55 | 60 mi | 150° SSE | Fair | Springfield, IL |
| IONWCQA-LDION | 16.4 | 61 mi | 132° SE | Poor | Springfield, IL |
Over-the-air TV in Canton
Canton, Illinois has a population of about 14,200. Our map shows 25 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 16 full-power, 8 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 14 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 9 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 2 transmitters are within 25 miles, 5 between 25 and 45 miles, and 18 farther out. Three of the 11 network stations in range are licensed to Peoria, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Peoria's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 8 (WQAD-TV), CBS on channel 31 (WMBD-TV), Fox on channel 43 (WYZZ-TV), CW on channel 25.3 (WEEK-TV), ION on channel 16.4 (WCQA-LD), MeTV on channel 19.6 (WHOI) and Trinity on channel 53 (WMWC-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KWQC-TV in Davenport, IA, 72 miles to the north. 6 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 Canton
The main network towers around Canton are in different directions: ABC 341° NNW (55 mi), CBS 78° ENE (27 mi) and Fox 82° E (45 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Three network stations, WHOI, WEEK-TV and WMBD-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 26 miles east of Canton (79° E). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 9 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Canton at fair strength or better, 44% arrive from the east; the rest are spread across two other directions.
WQAD-TV (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Canton. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Canton
The farthest main network tower for Canton is WQAD-TV (ABC), 55 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
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 Canton
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSIO-LDLow power | 23 mi | 56° NE | Fair | Peoria, IL |
| WTVPFull power | 25 mi | 79° ENE | Good | Peoria, IL |
| W27EQ-DLow power | 30 mi | 81° E | Fair | Peoria, IL |
| WMECFull power | 38 mi | 253° WSW | Fair | Macomb, IL |
| W31EH-DLow power | 55 mi | 157° SSE | Poor | Springfield, IL |
| W27ES-DLow power | 55 mi | 157° SSE | Poor | Springfield, IL |
| WQPT-TVFull power | 55 mi | 341° NNW | Good | Moline, IL |
| KQINFull power | 55 mi | 341° NNW | Weak | Davenport, IA |
| WEAE-LDLow power | 58 mi | 157° SSE | Poor | Springfield, IL |
| W19EE-DLow power | 58 mi | 188° S | Poor | Jacksonville, IL |
| WCIXFull power | 60 mi | 152° SSE | Poor | Springfield, IL |
| W23EW-DLow power | 62 mi | 154° SSE | Poor | Springfield, IL |
| WSECFull power | 66 mi | 181° S | Poor | Jacksonville, IL |
| W29ES-DTranslator | 66 mi | 181° S | Poor | Jacksonville, IL |
How Canton compares with the rest of Illinois
With 14 stations at fair strength or better, Canton ranks 455th of 766 places in Illinois: fewer than the typical Illinois town (17). Its nearest major network tower is 26 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
18% of Illinois's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Pekin, 21 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Canton: 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 341° NNW, the direction of WQAD-TV (ABC), 55 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 14 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 Canton, IL?
ABC is on channel 8 from WQAD-TV, broadcasting from 55 miles NNW of Canton. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Canton, IL?
CBS is on channel 31 from WMBD-TV, broadcasting from 27 miles ENE of Canton. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Canton, IL?
Fox is on channel 43 from WYZZ-TV, broadcasting from 45 miles E of Canton. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Canton, IL?
CW is on channel 25.3 from WEEK-TV, broadcasting from 26 miles E of Canton. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Canton?
25 transmitters within 70 miles of Canton; around 14 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 Canton?
The main network towers around Canton are in different directions: ABC 341° NNW (55 mi), CBS 78° ENE (27 mi) and Fox 82° E (45 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Canton?
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. The towers are spread over about 101° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Canton?
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 Canton?
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 Illinois cities
- Farmington9.8 mi
- Manito16 mi
- Havana18 mi
- Pekin21 mi
- Bartonville21 mi
- Creve Coeur24 mi
- Bushnell25 mi
- East Peoria25 mi
- Peoria25 mi
- Abingdon26 mi
- North Peoria26 mi
- Peoria Heights27 mi
- Astoria29 mi
- Delavan29 mi
- Princeville30 mi
- Mason City30 mi
- Morton30 mi
- Galesburg32 mi
- Macomb34 mi
- Washington34 mi
- Richmond38 mi
- Chillicothe38 mi
- Petersburg39 mi
- Monmouth40 mi
More: all TV stations in Illinois · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Canton; signal estimates ignore terrain.