TV channels & antenna towers in Algona, Iowa
Algona has 32 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying Fox and CW. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KDIT-LD, 1.5 miles to the E.
Network channels in Algona
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKMNF-CDCW | 7.2 | 61 mi | 352° N | Poor | Mankato, MN |
| FOXKEYC-TVFox | 12.2 | 61 mi | 352° N | Weak | Mankato, MN |
Over-the-air TV in Algona
Algona, Iowa has a population of about 5,470. There are 32 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 2 full-power, 1 Class A, 14 low-power and 15 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 2 transmitters are within 25 miles, 13 between 25 and 45 miles, and 17 farther out. Two of the 2 network stations in range are licensed to Mankato, MN, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Mankato's stations.
The strongest network signals here are Fox on channel 12.2 (KEYC-TV) and CW on channel 7.2 (KMNF-CD). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WOI-DT in Ames, IA, 93 miles to the south. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KIMT in Mason City, IA, 82 miles to the east. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Algona
Point your antenna N, at about 352°. The main network towers for Algona sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KMNF-CD and KEYC-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 61 miles north of Algona (352° N). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
KEYC-TV (Fox) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Algona. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Algona
The farthest main network tower for Algona is KEYC-TV (Fox), 61 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Algona
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 30; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KDIT-LDLow power | 1.5 mi | 95° E | Good | Fort Dodge, IA |
| KTINFull power | 20 mi | 207° SSW | Strong | Fort Dodge, IA |
| K16MA-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K19LJ-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K34NV-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K27FI-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K31EF-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K14KD-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K23FY-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K29IF-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K35IU-DTranslator | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K17MX-DLow power | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K21KF-DLow power | 39 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K18KG-DLow power | 40 mi | 289° WNW | Poor | Spencer, IA |
| KBVK-LDLow power | 40 mi | 289° WNW | Poor | Spencer, IA |
| K34NU-DTranslator | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K31NT-DTranslator | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K29LV-DTranslator | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K23FO-DTranslator | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K35IZ-DTranslator | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K19HZ-DTranslator | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K27NF-DLow power | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K17MY-DLow power | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K28OI-DLow power | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
| K22MY-DLow power | 53 mi | 314° NW | Poor | Jackson, MN |
How Algona compares with the rest of Iowa
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Algona ranks 276th of 285 places in Iowa: fewer than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 61 miles away, against a state median of 34 miles.
44% of Iowa's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Fort Dodge, 40 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Algona: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 352° N, the direction of KEYC-TV (Fox), 61 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 2 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 Fox in Algona, IA?
Fox is on channel 12.2 from KEYC-TV, broadcasting from 61 miles N of Algona. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CW in Algona, IA?
CW is on channel 7.2 from KMNF-CD, broadcasting from 61 miles N of Algona. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Algona?
32 transmitters within 70 miles of Algona; around 2 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional 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 Algona?
Point your antenna N, at about 352°. The main network towers for Algona sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Algona?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Algona?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Algona?
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 Iowa cities
- Britt22 mi
- Emmetsburg23 mi
- Dakota City24 mi
- Humboldt24 mi
- Garner32 mi
- Pocahontas32 mi
- Eagle Grove33 mi
- Forest City33 mi
- Clarion34 mi
- Laurens35 mi
- Belmond35 mi
- Estherville38 mi
- Fort Dodge40 mi
- Manson40 mi
- Lake Mills43 mi
- Clear Lake43 mi
- Spencer46 mi
- Webster City47 mi
- Milford49 mi
- Arnolds Park49 mi
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in Iowa · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Algona; signal estimates ignore terrain.