TV channels & antenna towers in Salem, Illinois
Salem has 12 TV transmitters within 70 miles. About 3 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is W29CI-D, 5.3 miles to the SSW.
Over-the-air TV in Salem
Salem, Illinois has a population of about 7,290. Our map shows 12 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 3 full-power, 4 Class A, 4 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 3 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 2 between 25 and 45 miles, and 9 farther out.
No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WSIL-TV in Harrisburg, IL, 70 miles to the south. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KMOV in St. Louis, MO, 73 miles to the west. 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 Salem
Point your antenna SSW, at about 209°. The nearest towers for Salem sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the nearest towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Salem, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Salem
The farthest of the closest towers for Salem is WSIU-TV, 40 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here.
WEDK-LD, 36 miles northeast, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
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 TV stations near Salem
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W29CI-DClass A | 5.3 mi | 213° SSW | Good | Salem, IL |
| WEDK-LDLow power | 36 mi | 28° NNE | Poor | Effingham, IL |
| WSIU-TVFull power | 40 mi | 204° SSW | Fair | Carbondale, IL |
| WUSI-TVFull power | 46 mi | 71° ENE | Fair | Olney, IL |
| W33EK-DTranslator | 53 mi | 35° NE | Poor | Effingham, IL |
| W15BU-DClass A | 54 mi | 179° S | Poor | Johnson City, IL |
| WPXSFull power | 54 mi | 251° WSW | Weak | Mount Vernon, IL |
| W09DL-DLow power | 54 mi | 251° WSW | Poor | Mount Vernon, IL |
| WLEH-LDLow power | 54 mi | 251° WSW | Poor | St., IL |
| WXSL-LDLow power | 56 mi | 274° W | Poor | St. Louis, MO |
| W36EX-DClass A | 66 mi | 288° WNW | Poor | Alton, IL |
| KEFN-CDClass A | 67 mi | 271° W | Poor | St. Louis, MO |
How Salem compares with the rest of Illinois
With 3 stations at fair strength or better, Salem ranks 762nd of 766 places in Illinois: fewer than the typical Illinois town (17).
54% of Illinois's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Salem: 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 204° SSW, the direction of WSIU-TV, 40 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 3 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
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Salem?
12 transmitters within 70 miles of Salem; around 3 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 Salem?
Point your antenna SSW, at about 209°. The nearest towers for Salem sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Salem?
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. Picking up the more distant stations from up to 36 miles away would take an outdoor antenna.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Salem?
WEDK-LD, 36 miles northeast, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Salem?
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
- Odin5.8 mi
- Centralia12 mi
- Mount Vernon22 mi
- Vandalia24 mi
- Flora25 mi
- Wayne City27 mi
- Nashville31 mi
- Greenville31 mi
- Breese31 mi
- Altamont32 mi
- Ina33 mi
- Okawville35 mi
- Fairfield36 mi
- Ramsey37 mi
- Highland40 mi
- Effingham40 mi
- McLeansboro43 mi
- Benton44 mi
- Pinckneyville45 mi
- Du Quoin45 mi
- Mascoutah47 mi
- Olney47 mi
- Hillsboro47 mi
- Newton49 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 Salem; signal estimates ignore terrain.