TV channels & antenna towers in Chariton, Iowa
Chariton has 18 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 8 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WBXF-CD, 43 miles to the NNW.
Network channels in Chariton
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKTVOABC | 3 | 56 mi | 126° SE | Fair | Kirksville, MO |
| ABCWOI-DTABC | 5 | 57 mi | 344° NNW | Weak | Ames, IA |
| NBCWHO-DTNBC | 13 | 57 mi | 344° NNW | Fair | Des Moines, IA |
| CBSKCCICBS | 8 | 57 mi | 344° NNW | Fair | Des Moines, IA |
| IONKFPX-TVION | 39 | 57 mi | 344° NNW | Fair | Newton, IA |
| CWKCWI-TVCW | 23 | 59 mi | 344° NNW | Fair | Ames, IA |
| FOXKDSM-TVFox | 17 | 59 mi | 344° NNW | Good | Des Moines, IA |
Over-the-air TV in Chariton
Chariton is a town of about 4,210 people in Iowa. There are 18 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 9 full-power, 2 Class A, 4 low-power and 3 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 8 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 17 farther out. Three of the 7 network stations in range are licensed to Des Moines, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Des Moines's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 3 (KTVO), CBS on channel 8 (KCCI), NBC on channel 13 (WHO-DT), Fox on channel 17 (KDSM-TV), CW on channel 23 (KCWI-TV) and ION on channel 39 (KFPX-TV). 2 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 Chariton
The main network towers around Chariton are in different directions: ABC 126° SE (56 mi), CBS 344° NNW (57 mi), NBC 344° NNW (57 mi) and Fox 344° NNW (59 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Six network stations, WOI-DT, WHO-DT, KCCI, KFPX-TV and KCWI-TV and others, transmit from the same tower site about 57 miles north of Chariton (344° NNW). That one direction covers every station on the site.
Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Chariton at fair strength or better, 83% arrive from the north; the rest are spread across one other direction.
KTVO (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Chariton. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Chariton
The farthest main network tower for Chariton is KDSM-TV (Fox), 59 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
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 Chariton
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBXF-CDClass A | 43 mi | 337° NNW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| K18GU-DTranslator | 49 mi | 94° E | Poor | Ottumwa, IA |
| K32NM-DLow power | 51 mi | 333° NNW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KAJR-LDLow power | 56 mi | 5° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KCYM-LDLow power | 56 mi | 5° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KRPG-LDLow power | 56 mi | 5° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| K31PO-DTranslator | 57 mi | 1° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KDIN-TVFull power | 57 mi | 344° NNW | Fair | Des Moines, IA |
| KDIT-CDClass A | 59 mi | 344° NNW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KDMIFull power | 59 mi | 344° NNW | Good | Des Moines, IA |
| K30MG-DTranslator | 67 mi | 143° SE | Poor | Kirksville, MO |
How Chariton compares with the rest of Iowa
With 8 stations at fair strength or better, Chariton ranks 219th of 285 places in Iowa: fewer than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 56 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 Des Moines, 43 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Chariton: 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 344° NNW, the direction of KDSM-TV (Fox), 59 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 8 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 ABC in Chariton, IA?
ABC is on channel 3 from KTVO, broadcasting from 56 miles SE of Chariton. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Chariton, IA?
CBS is on channel 8 from KCCI, broadcasting from 57 miles NNW of Chariton. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Chariton, IA?
NBC is on channel 13 from WHO-DT, broadcasting from 57 miles NNW of Chariton. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Chariton, IA?
Fox is on channel 17 from KDSM-TV, broadcasting from 59 miles NNW of Chariton. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Chariton, IA?
CW is on channel 23 from KCWI-TV, broadcasting from 59 miles NNW of Chariton. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Chariton?
18 transmitters within 70 miles of Chariton; around 8 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 Chariton?
The main network towers around Chariton are in different directions: ABC 126° SE (56 mi), CBS 344° NNW (57 mi), NBC 344° NNW (57 mi) and Fox 344° NNW (59 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Chariton?
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. The towers are spread over about 143° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Chariton?
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 Chariton?
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
- Melcher-Dallas15 mi
- Corydon18 mi
- Knoxville24 mi
- Osceola24 mi
- Pleasantville26 mi
- Albia26 mi
- Indianola27 mi
- Centerville30 mi
- Leon30 mi
- Pella34 mi
- Eddyville36 mi
- Monroe37 mi
- Norwalk37 mi
- Oskaloosa40 mi
- Pleasant Hill41 mi
- Lamoni43 mi
- Winterset43 mi
- Des Moines43 mi
- West Des Moines44 mi
- Altoona44 mi
- Clive46 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 Chariton; signal estimates ignore terrain.