TV channels & antenna towers in Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 3 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K18GU-D, 4.6 miles to the SSE.
Network channels in Ottumwa
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKYOU-TVCW | 15.4 | 27 mi | 63° ENE | Good | Ottumwa, IA |
| ABCKTVOABC | 3 | 34 mi | 183° S | Good | Kirksville, MO |
Over-the-air TV in Ottumwa
Ottumwa, Iowa has a population of about 24,600. There are 10 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 2 full-power, 3 low-power and 5 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 3 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 3 between 25 and 45 miles, and 6 farther out.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 3 (KTVO) and CW on channel 15.4 (KYOU-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KCCI in Des Moines, IA, 83 miles to the northwest. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WHO-DT in Des Moines, IA, 83 miles to the northwest.
Which way to point your antenna in Ottumwa
Point your antenna S, at about 183°. The main network towers for Ottumwa sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Ottumwa, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Ottumwa
The farthest main network tower for Ottumwa is KTVO (ABC), 34 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
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 Ottumwa
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K18GU-DTranslator | 4.6 mi | 152° SSE | Good | Ottumwa, IA |
| K24IM-DTranslator | 32 mi | 130° SE | Weak | Keosauqua, IA |
| K30MG-DTranslator | 55 mi | 187° S | Poor | Kirksville, MO |
| K28JD-DTranslator | 58 mi | 117° ESE | Poor | Fort Madison, IA |
| K18NZ-DTranslator | 67 mi | 128° SE | Poor | Keokuk, IA |
| KAJR-LDLow power | 69 mi | 323° NW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KCYM-LDLow power | 69 mi | 323° NW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KRPG-LDLow power | 69 mi | 323° NW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
How Ottumwa compares with the rest of Iowa
With 3 stations at fair strength or better, Ottumwa ranks 271st of 285 places in Iowa: fewer than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 27 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 Ottumwa: 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 183° S, the direction of KTVO (ABC), 34 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 3 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 Ottumwa, IA?
ABC is on channel 3 from KTVO, broadcasting from 34 miles S of Ottumwa. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Ottumwa, IA?
CW is on channel 15.4 from KYOU-TV, broadcasting from 27 miles ENE of Ottumwa. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Ottumwa?
10 transmitters within 70 miles of Ottumwa; around 3 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 Ottumwa?
Point your antenna S, at about 183°. The main network towers for Ottumwa sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Ottumwa?
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.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Ottumwa?
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.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Ottumwa?
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
- Eddyville15 mi
- Bloomfield19 mi
- Albia21 mi
- Maharishi Vedic City22 mi
- Oskaloosa23 mi
- Fairfield23 mi
- Sigourney24 mi
- Keosauqua31 mi
- Centerville31 mi
- New Sharon33 mi
- Pella38 mi
- North English38 mi
- Montezuma40 mi
- Knoxville42 mi
- Washington42 mi
- Mount Pleasant45 mi
- Melcher-Dallas45 mi
- Chariton47 mi
- Kalona49 mi
- Williamsburg49 mi
- Brooklyn49 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 Ottumwa; signal estimates ignore terrain.