TV channels & antenna towers in Alta, Iowa

Alta is a small community of about 1,880 people in Iowa. There are 28 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 6 full-power, 13 low-power and 9 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 5 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 2 between 25 and 45 miles, and 26 farther out. Three of the 3 network stations in range are licensed to Sioux City, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Sioux City's stations.

For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 9 (KCAU-TV), Fox on channel 44 (KPTH) and CW on channel 4.2 (KTIV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KMTV-TV in Omaha, NE, 102 miles to the south. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WOWT in Omaha, NE, 101 miles to the south. 3 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.

Point your antenna W, at about 263°. The main network towers for Alta sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

Three network stations, KTIV, KPTH and KCAU-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 48 miles west of Alta (263° W). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.

Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Alta at fair strength or better, all arrive from the west, so this is an easy place to aim.

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

The farthest main network tower for Alta is KCAU-TV (ABC), 48 miles away with a fair 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.

With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Alta ranks 253rd of 285 places in Iowa: fewer than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 48 miles away, against a state median of 34 miles.

44% of Iowa's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.