TV channels & antenna towers in Lisbon, Iowa

Lisbon has 20 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 12 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KWKB, 14 miles to the S.

20TV transmitters within 70 miles
7networks over the air
14 mito the closest tower
2,202population

Network channels in Lisbon

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
IONKPXR-TVION48 36 mi315° NW GoodCedar Rapids, IA
CWKCRG-TVCW9.3 37 mi319° NW GoodCedar Rapids, IA
FOXKGANFox2.2 37 mi319° NW GoodCedar Rapids, IA
NBCKWWLNBC7 41 mi325° NW FairWaterloo, IA
NBCKWQC-TVNBC6 53 mi119° ESE GoodDavenport, IA
CBSWHBF-TVCBS4 53 mi119° ESE FairRock Island, IL
CWKYOU-TVCW15.4 58 mi211° SSW FairOttumwa, IA
CWKGCWCW26 66 mi128° SE WeakBurlington, IA
FOXKLJBFox18 67 mi129° SE WeakDavenport, IA
ABCWQAD-TVABC8 67 mi129° SE WeakMoline, IL
TBNWMWC-TVTrinity53 67 mi129° SE PoorGalesburg, IL

Over-the-air TV in Lisbon

With roughly 2,200 residents, Lisbon is a small community in Iowa. Our map shows 20 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 18 full-power and 2 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 12 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 11 farther out. Three of the 11 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.

The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 8 (WQAD-TV), 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), ION on channel 48 (KPXR-TV) and Trinity on channel 53 (WMWC-TV). 7 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 Lisbon

The main network towers around Lisbon are in different directions: ABC 129° SE (67 mi), CBS 119° ESE (53 mi), NBC 119° ESE (53 mi) and Fox 319° NW (37 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 36 miles northwest of Lisbon (315° NW). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.

Of the 7 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Lisbon at fair strength or better, 57% arrive from the northwest; the rest are spread across two other directions.

WQAD-TV (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Lisbon. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Lisbon

The farthest main network tower for Lisbon is WQAD-TV (ABC), 67 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.

KWKB is only 14 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.

Other stations near Lisbon

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
KWKBFull power14 mi 173° SStrongIowa City, IA
KIINFull power14 mi 171° SGoodIowa City, IA
KFKZ-LDLow power36 mi 315° NWWeakCedar Falls, IA
KRINFull power37 mi 319° NWGoodWaterloo, IA
KFXAFull power38 mi 288° WNWGoodCedar Rapids, IA
K33QA-DLow power47 mi 128° SEPoorDavenport, IA
KFXB-TVFull power57 mi 43° NEFairDubuque, IA
WQPT-TVFull power67 mi 129° SEWeakMoline, IL
KQINFull power67 mi 129° SEPoorDavenport, IA

How Lisbon compares with the rest of Iowa

With 12 stations at fair strength or better, Lisbon ranks 84th of 285 places in Iowa: more than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 36 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 Marion, 13 miles away.

Setting up an antenna in Lisbon: step by step

  1. 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.
  2. Point it toward 129° SE, the direction of WQAD-TV (ABC), 67 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
  3. Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
  4. Expect around 12 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
  5. Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in Lisbon, IA?

ABC is on channel 8 from WQAD-TV, broadcasting from 67 miles SE of Lisbon. Estimated signal: weak.

What channel is CBS in Lisbon, IA?

CBS is on channel 4 from WHBF-TV, broadcasting from 53 miles ESE of Lisbon. Estimated signal: fair.

What channel is NBC in Lisbon, IA?

NBC is on channel 6 from KWQC-TV, broadcasting from 53 miles ESE of Lisbon. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is Fox in Lisbon, IA?

Fox is on channel 2.2 from KGAN, broadcasting from 37 miles NW of Lisbon. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is CW in Lisbon, IA?

CW is on channel 9.3 from KCRG-TV, broadcasting from 37 miles NW of Lisbon. Estimated signal: good.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Lisbon?

20 transmitters within 70 miles of Lisbon; around 12 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 Lisbon?

The main network towers around Lisbon are in different directions: ABC 129° SE (67 mi), CBS 119° ESE (53 mi), NBC 119° ESE (53 mi) and Fox 319° NW (37 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

What kind of antenna do I need in Lisbon?

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 170° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in Lisbon?

KWKB is only 14 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.

Is there an app to find TV towers in Lisbon?

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

More: all TV stations in Iowa · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Lisbon; signal estimates ignore terrain.