TV channels & antenna towers in Carthage, Illinois
Carthage has 14 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K18NZ-D, 14 miles to the W.
Network channels in Carthage
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKHQA-TVABC | 7.2 | 32 mi | 199° SSW | Good | Hannibal, MO |
| CWWGEM-TVCW | 10.2 | 32 mi | 199° SSW | Good | Quincy, IL |
| CWKYOU-TVCW | 15.4 | 69 mi | 322° NW | Weak | Ottumwa, IA |
| ABCKTVOABC | 3 | 69 mi | 277° W | Weak | Kirksville, MO |
Over-the-air TV in Carthage
Carthage is a town of about 2,550 people in Illinois. There are 14 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 7 full-power, 4 low-power and 3 translators. 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, 3 transmitters are within 25 miles, 7 between 25 and 45 miles, and 4 farther out.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 7.2 (KHQA-TV) and CW on channel 10.2 (WGEM-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WMBD-TV in Peoria, IL, 85 miles to the east. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KWQC-TV in Davenport, IA, 85 miles to the northeast. 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 Carthage
Point your antenna SSW, at about 199°. The main network towers for Carthage sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KHQA-TV and WGEM-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 32 miles south of Carthage (199° SSW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Carthage, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Carthage
The farthest main network tower for Carthage is KHQA-TV (ABC), 32 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 Carthage
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K18NZ-DTranslator | 14 mi | 269° W | Fair | Keokuk, IA |
| WMECFull power | 21 mi | 93° E | Good | Macomb, IL |
| K28JD-DTranslator | 22 mi | 314° NW | Fair | Fort Madison, IA |
| WQECFull power | 32 mi | 197° SSW | Fair | Quincy, IL |
| WTJRFull power | 32 mi | 198° SSW | Good | Quincy, IL |
| W27DF-DLow power | 32 mi | 198° SSW | Weak | Quincy, IL |
| K14SU-DLow power | 32 mi | 198° SSW | Weak | Keokuk, IA |
| W17EH-DLow power | 32 mi | 198° SSW | Weak | Quincy, IL |
| K24IM-DTranslator | 47 mi | 297° WNW | Poor | Keosauqua, IA |
| W19EE-DLow power | 69 mi | 134° SE | Poor | Jacksonville, IL |
How Carthage compares with the rest of Illinois
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Carthage ranks 716th of 766 places in Illinois: fewer than the typical Illinois town (17). Its nearest major network tower is 32 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 Burlington, 27 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Carthage: 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 199° SSW, the direction of KHQA-TV (ABC), 32 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 Carthage, IL?
ABC is on channel 7.2 from KHQA-TV, broadcasting from 32 miles SSW of Carthage. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Carthage, IL?
CW is on channel 10.2 from WGEM-TV, broadcasting from 32 miles SSW of Carthage. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Carthage?
14 transmitters within 70 miles of Carthage; around 7 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 Carthage?
Point your antenna SSW, at about 199°. The main network towers for Carthage sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Carthage?
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 Carthage?
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 Carthage?
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
- Hamilton11 mi
- La Harpe14 mi
- Macomb25 mi
- Camp Point26 mi
- Bushnell34 mi
- Mount Sterling36 mi
- Quincy36 mi
- Rushville36 mi
- Oquawka37 mi
- Payson42 mi
- Monmouth43 mi
- Astoria43 mi
- Beardstown47 mi
- Abingdon47 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Keokuk, IA13 mi
- Fort Madison, IA17 mi
- Burlington, IA27 mi
- Canton, MO28 mi
- Kahoka, MO31 mi
- Monticello, MO37 mi
- Mediapolis, IA41 mi
- Mount Pleasant, IA44 mi
- Palmyra, MO48 mi
- Keosauqua, IA48 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 Carthage; signal estimates ignore terrain.