TV stations in Indiana

Indiana has 87 licensed TV transmitters: 40 full-power, 13 Class A, 32 low-power and 2 translator stations. Translators make up 2% of the total, below the national share of 41%, a sign that most people live within reach of the main towers.

Most full-power and Class A stations are licensed to Indianapolis (12), Evansville (7), Fort Wayne (6) and Bloomington (4). Those cities are where the main broadcast hubs sit, and most viewers aim their antennas toward one of them.

The most powerful full-power transmitter in Indiana is WRTV (ABC) in Indianapolis, at 1,000 kW effective radiated power. The tallest is WJYS near Hammond, 510 m (1,673 ft) above the surrounding terrain.

We ran a reception estimate for all 352 cities and towns in Indiana. A typical place gets 16 stations at fair strength or better (national median: 17), and its nearest major network tower is about 25 miles away. 29% of places can use an indoor antenna, 51% need an amplified or attic antenna, 20% an outdoor directional antenna and 0% a long-range setup.

Weighted by population, the share of residents with a listed affiliate at fair strength or better is: ABC 100%, CBS 90%, NBC 90% and Fox 100%.

Hammond has the most stations in reach (30). Roselawn is the hardest place to get network TV over the air: its nearest major network tower is 54 miles away.