TV channels & antenna towers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids has 14 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 11 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KFKZ-LD, 23 miles to the NNW.
Network channels in Cedar Rapids
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONKPXR-TVION | 48 | 23 mi | 328° NNW | Good | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| CWKCRG-TVCW | 9.3 | 24 mi | 333° NNW | Strong | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| FOXKGANFox | 2.2 | 24 mi | 333° NNW | Strong | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| NBCKWWLNBC | 7 | 29 mi | 339° NNW | Fair | Waterloo, IA |
| CWKYOU-TVCW | 15.4 | 58 mi | 196° SSW | Fair | Ottumwa, IA |
| NBCKWQC-TVNBC | 6 | 68 mi | 118° ESE | Fair | Davenport, IA |
| CBSWHBF-TVCBS | 4 | 68 mi | 118° ESE | Weak | Rock Island, IL |
Over-the-air TV in Cedar Rapids
With roughly 130,000 residents, Cedar Rapids is a city in Iowa. Our map shows 14 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 12 full-power and 2 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 11 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 6 at good or strong strength.
7 of them are within 25 miles of Cedar Rapids, 2 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 5 are more than 45 miles out. Cedar Rapids is a broadcast hub in its own right: three of the 7 network stations in range are licensed here.
The strongest network signals here are CBS on channel 4 (WHBF-TV), NBC on channel 7 (KWWL), Fox on channel 2.2 (KGAN), CW on channel 9.3 (KCRG-TV) and ION on channel 48 (KPXR-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WQAD-TV in Moline, IL, 81 miles to the southeast. 5 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 Cedar Rapids
Point your antenna NNW, at about 336°. The main network towers for Cedar Rapids sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, KPXR-TV, KCRG-TV and KGAN, transmit from the same tower site about 23 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids (328° NNW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Cedar Rapids at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the northwest; the rest are spread across three other directions.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Cedar Rapids, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Cedar Rapids
The farthest main network tower for Cedar Rapids is KWWL (NBC), 29 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here.
WHBF-TV (CBS), 68 miles southeast, 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 stations near Cedar Rapids
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KFKZ-LDLow power | 23 mi | 328° NNW | Fair | Cedar Falls, IA |
| KFXAFull power | 23 mi | 284° WNW | Strong | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| KRINFull power | 24 mi | 333° NNW | Good | Waterloo, IA |
| KWKBFull power | 25 mi | 142° SE | Strong | Iowa City, IA |
| KIINFull power | 25 mi | 142° SE | Fair | Iowa City, IA |
| K33QA-DLow power | 61 mi | 125° SE | Poor | Davenport, IA |
| KFXB-TVFull power | 63 mi | 56° NE | Weak | Dubuque, IA |
How Cedar Rapids compares with the rest of Iowa
With 11 stations at fair strength or better, Cedar Rapids ranks 109th of 285 places in Iowa: the same as the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 23 miles away, against a state median of 34 miles.
44% of Iowa's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Cedar Rapids: 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 339° NNW, the direction of KWWL (NBC), 29 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 11 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 CBS in Cedar Rapids, IA?
CBS is on channel 4 from WHBF-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles ESE of Cedar Rapids. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is NBC in Cedar Rapids, IA?
NBC is on channel 7 from KWWL, broadcasting from 29 miles NNW of Cedar Rapids. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Fox is on channel 2.2 from KGAN, broadcasting from 24 miles NNW of Cedar Rapids. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is CW in Cedar Rapids, IA?
CW is on channel 9.3 from KCRG-TV, broadcasting from 24 miles NNW of Cedar Rapids. Estimated signal: strong.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Cedar Rapids?
14 transmitters within 70 miles of Cedar Rapids; around 11 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 Cedar Rapids?
Point your antenna NNW, at about 336°. The main network towers for Cedar Rapids sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Cedar Rapids?
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 CBS from up to 68 miles away would take an outdoor antenna.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Cedar Rapids?
WHBF-TV (CBS), 68 miles southeast, 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 Cedar Rapids?
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
- Hiawatha2.7 mi
- Marion3.0 mi
- Fairfax9.3 mi
- Mount Vernon13 mi
- Center Point15 mi
- Central City15 mi
- North Liberty18 mi
- Anamosa20 mi
- Vinton22 mi
- Coralville23 mi
- Iowa City25 mi
- Marengo26 mi
- Monticello28 mi
- Williamsburg30 mi
- Tipton31 mi
- Belle Plaine33 mi
- Independence34 mi
- Manchester34 mi
- La Porte City35 mi
- West Liberty36 mi
- Kalona36 mi
- Lone Tree38 mi
- Cascade38 mi
- North English41 mi
More: all TV stations in Iowa · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Cedar Rapids; signal estimates ignore terrain.