TV channels & antenna towers in Phoenix, Illinois

Phoenix has 33 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 28 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WBBM-TV (CBS), 18 miles to the N.

33TV transmitters within 70 miles
9networks over the air
18 mito the closest tower
1,958population

Network channels in Phoenix

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
CBSWBBM-TVCBS2 18 mi360° N FairChicago, IL
IONWCPX-TVION38 18 mi360° N GoodChicago, IL
ABCWLS-TVABC7 18 mi360° N StrongChicago, IL
FOXWFLDFox32 19 mi360° N StrongChicago, IL
NBCWMAQ-TVNBC5 19 mi360° N GoodChicago, IL
TLMWSNS-TVTelemundo44 19 mi360° N GoodChicago, IL
MeTVWWME-CDMeTV23.1 19 mi360° N FairChicago, IL
MeTVWCIU-TVMeTV26.3 19 mi360° N StrongChicago, IL
CWWGN-TVCW9 19 mi360° N StrongChicago, IL
UNIWGBO-DTUnivision66 20 mi2° N StrongJoliet, IL
IONKPDS-LDION49.4 20 mi2° N WeakChicago, IL

Over-the-air TV in Phoenix

Phoenix, Illinois has a population of about 1,960. Our map shows 33 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 15 full-power, 7 Class A and 11 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 28 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 13 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 30 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 2 farther out. Ten of the 11 network stations in range are licensed to Chicago, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Chicago's stations.

The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 7 (WLS-TV), CBS on channel 2 (WBBM-TV), NBC on channel 5 (WMAQ-TV), Fox on channel 32 (WFLD), CW on channel 9 (WGN-TV), ION on channel 38 (WCPX-TV), Telemundo on channel 44 (WSNS-TV), Univision on channel 66 (WGBO-DT) and MeTV on channel 26.3 (WCIU-TV). Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (good signal) and Univision (strong signal). 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 Phoenix

Point your antenna N, at about 360°. The main network towers for Phoenix sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

Ten network stations, WBBM-TV, WCPX-TV, WLS-TV, WFLD and WMAQ-TV and others, transmit from the same tower site about 18 miles north of Phoenix (360° N). That one direction covers every station on the site.

Of the 10 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Phoenix at fair strength or better, all arrive from the north, so this is an easy place to aim.

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

Antenna and amplifier advice for Phoenix

The farthest main network tower for Phoenix is WFLD (Fox), 19 miles away with a strong 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 Phoenix

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
WJYSFull power18 mi 360° NGoodHammond, IN
WXFT-DTFull power18 mi 360° NStrongAurora, IL
WTTWFull power19 mi 360° NGoodChicago, IL
WPWR-TVFull power19 mi 360° NStrongGary, IN
WEDE-CDClass A19 mi 360° NFairArlington Heights, IL
WMEU-CDClass A19 mi 360° NFairChicago, IL
WDCI-LDLow power19 mi 2° NFairChicago, IL
WCHU-LDLow power19 mi 1° NFairOakwood Hills, IL
WWTO-TVFull power20 mi 2° NFairNaperville, IL
WOCK-CDClass A20 mi 2° NFairChicago, IL
W31EZ-DLow power20 mi 2° NFairChicago, IL
WESV-LDLow power20 mi 2° NFairChicago, IL
WRJK-LDLow power20 mi 2° NFairArlington Heights, IL
W27EB-DClass A20 mi 2° NFairSugar Grove, IL
WRME-LDLow power20 mi 2° NFairChicago, IL
WPVN-CDClass A20 mi 2° NFairChicago, IL
WLPD-CDClass A20 mi 2° NFairPlano, IL
WYINFull power22 mi 146° SEGoodGary, IN
WODN-LDLow power23 mi 88° EWeakPortage, IN
WAAA-LDLow power32 mi 101° EWeakValparaiso, IN
WAUR-LDLow power49 mi 275° WPoorAurora, IL
WSPY-LDLow power49 mi 275° WPoorEarlville, IL

How Phoenix compares with the rest of Illinois

With 28 stations at fair strength or better, Phoenix ranks 70th of 766 places in Illinois: more than the typical Illinois town (17). Its nearest major network tower is 18 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 Harvey, 0.6 miles away.

Setting up an antenna in Phoenix: step by step

  1. 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.
  2. Point it toward 360° N, the direction of WFLD (Fox), 19 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
  3. Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
  4. Expect around 28 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
  5. Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in Phoenix, IL?

ABC is on channel 7 from WLS-TV, broadcasting from 18 miles N of Phoenix. Estimated signal: strong.

What channel is CBS in Phoenix, IL?

CBS is on channel 2 from WBBM-TV, broadcasting from 18 miles N of Phoenix. Estimated signal: fair.

What channel is NBC in Phoenix, IL?

NBC is on channel 5 from WMAQ-TV, broadcasting from 19 miles N of Phoenix. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is Fox in Phoenix, IL?

Fox is on channel 32 from WFLD, broadcasting from 19 miles N of Phoenix. Estimated signal: strong.

What channel is CW in Phoenix, IL?

CW is on channel 9 from WGN-TV, broadcasting from 19 miles N of Phoenix. Estimated signal: strong.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Phoenix?

33 transmitters within 70 miles of Phoenix; around 28 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 Phoenix?

Point your antenna N, at about 360°. The main network towers for Phoenix sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in Phoenix?

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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix?

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

Nearby cities in other states

More: all TV stations in Illinois · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Phoenix; signal estimates ignore terrain.