TV channels & antenna towers in Rochelle, Illinois
Rochelle has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and Telemundo. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WQRF-TV (Fox), 26 miles to the NNW.
Network channels in Rochelle
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXWQRF-TVFox | 39 | 26 mi | 348° NNW | Good | Rockford, IL |
| ABCWTVOABC | 17 | 26 mi | 348° NNW | Good | Rockford, IL |
| TLMWFBN-LDTelemundo | 23 | 26 mi | 349° NNW | Fair | Rockford, IL |
| CBSWIFR-LDCBS | 23 | 26 mi | 349° NNW | Fair | Rockford, IL |
| CWWSLNCW | 19 | 26 mi | 349° NNW | Fair | Freeport, IL |
| NBCWREXNBC | 13 | 27 mi | 341° NNW | Fair | Rockford, IL |
Over-the-air TV in Rochelle
Rochelle, Illinois has a population of about 9,310. Our map shows 10 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 4 full-power, 5 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Rochelle, 9 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 1 is more than 45 miles out. Five of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Rockford, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Rockford's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 17 (WTVO), CBS on channel 23 (WIFR-LD), NBC on channel 13 (WREX), Fox on channel 39 (WQRF-TV), CW on channel 19 (WSLN) and Telemundo on channel 23 (WFBN-LD). Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (fair signal).
Which way to point your antenna in Rochelle
Point your antenna NNW, at about 346°. The main network towers for Rochelle sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, WQRF-TV, WTVO and WSLN, transmit from the same tower site about 26 miles north of Rochelle (348° NNW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Rochelle 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 Rochelle, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Rochelle
The farthest main network tower for Rochelle is WREX (NBC), 27 miles away with a fair 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 Rochelle
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W27EJ-DLow power | 28 mi | 266° W | Fair | Sterling, IL |
| WAUR-LDLow power | 31 mi | 125° SE | Weak | Aurora, IL |
| WSPY-LDLow power | 31 mi | 125° SE | Weak | Earlville, IL |
| W35DY-DTranslator | 46 mi | 354° N | Poor | Stoughton, WI |
How Rochelle compares with the rest of Illinois
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Rochelle ranks 716th 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.
54% of Illinois's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is DeKalb, 16 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Rochelle: 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 341° NNW, the direction of WREX (NBC), 27 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 Rochelle, IL?
ABC is on channel 17 from WTVO, broadcasting from 26 miles NNW of Rochelle. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Rochelle, IL?
CBS is on channel 23 from WIFR-LD, broadcasting from 26 miles NNW of Rochelle. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Rochelle, IL?
NBC is on channel 13 from WREX, broadcasting from 27 miles NNW of Rochelle. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Rochelle, IL?
Fox is on channel 39 from WQRF-TV, broadcasting from 26 miles NNW of Rochelle. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Rochelle, IL?
CW is on channel 19 from WSLN, broadcasting from 26 miles NNW of Rochelle. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Rochelle?
10 transmitters within 70 miles of Rochelle; 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 Rochelle?
Point your antenna NNW, at about 346°. The main network towers for Rochelle sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Rochelle?
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 Rochelle?
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 Rochelle?
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
- DeKalb16 mi
- Byron17 mi
- Amboy20 mi
- Sycamore20 mi
- Dixon22 mi
- Genoa23 mi
- Rockford24 mi
- Earlville24 mi
- Mendota26 mi
- Belvidere26 mi
- Loves Park27 mi
- Machesney Park29 mi
- Sandwich30 mi
- Hampshire30 mi
- Elburn31 mi
- Marengo33 mi
- Plano33 mi
- Poplar Grove33 mi
- Rock Falls33 mi
- Sterling34 mi
- Roscoe34 mi
- Sugar Grove34 mi
- Wasco34 mi
- Village of Campton Hills35 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 Rochelle; signal estimates ignore terrain.