TV channels & antenna towers in Ely, Iowa

With roughly 2,070 residents, Ely is a small community 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, 10 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 8 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 2 transmitters are within 25 miles, 7 between 25 and 45 miles, and 5 farther out. Three of the 7 network stations in range are licensed to Cedar Rapids, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Cedar Rapids's stations.

For the networks, the best local options are CBS on channel 4 (WHBF-TV), NBC on channel 6 (KWQC-TV), 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, 73 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.

The main network towers around Ely are in different directions: CBS 111° ESE (61 mi), NBC 111° ESE (61 mi) and Fox 335° NNW (34 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

Three network stations, KPXR-TV, KCRG-TV and KGAN, transmit from the same tower site about 33 miles northwest of Ely (332° NNW). That one direction covers every station on the site.

Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Ely at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the northwest; the rest are spread across three other directions.

WHBF-TV (CBS) and KWQC-TV (NBC) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Ely. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

The farthest main network tower for Ely is KWQC-TV (NBC), 61 miles away with a fair 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.

With 10 stations at fair strength or better, Ely ranks 150th of 285 places in Iowa: fewer than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 33 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 Cedar Rapids, 9.8 miles away.