TV channels & antenna towers in Marion, Illinois

Marion, Illinois has a population of about 17,800. Our map shows 15 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 9 full-power, 2 Class A, 3 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.

By distance, 4 transmitters are within 25 miles, 6 between 25 and 45 miles, and 5 farther 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 best-placed network stations 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, 93 miles to the northwest. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (weak signal). 5 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 Marion are in different directions: ABC 158° SSE (8.7 mi), NBC 184° S (37 mi) and Fox 237° WSW (41 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 Marion at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the south; the rest are spread across one other direction.

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

The farthest main network tower for Marion is KBSI (Fox), 41 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.

WSIL-TV is only 8.7 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.

With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Marion ranks 656th of 766 places in Illinois: fewer than the typical Illinois town (17). Its nearest major network tower is 8.7 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, 43 miles away.