TV channels & antenna towers in Colby, Kansas
Colby has 7 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS and NBC. About 4 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KLBY (ABC), 19 miles to the WSW.
Network channels in Colby
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKLBYABC | 4 | 19 mi | 238° WSW | Good | Colby, KS |
| CBSKBSL-DTCBS | 10 | 27 mi | 281° W | Good | Goodland, KS |
| NBCKSNKNBC | 8 | 35 mi | 32° NNE | Fair | McCook, NE |
| ABCKWNB-LDABC | 6 | 60 mi | 20° NNE | Poor | McCook, NE |
Over-the-air TV in Colby
Colby, Kansas has a population of about 5,420. Our map shows 7 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 4 full-power, 1 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 4 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
2 of them are within 25 miles of Colby, 2 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 3 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 4 network stations in range are licensed to McCook, NE, so most of the network channels you will find here come from McCook's stations.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 4 (KLBY), CBS on channel 10 (KBSL-DT) and NBC on channel 8 (KSNK). No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KNOP-TV in North Platte, NE, 126 miles to the north. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Colby
The main network towers around Colby are in different directions: ABC 238° WSW (19 mi), CBS 281° W (27 mi) and NBC 32° NNE (35 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Colby, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Colby
The farthest main network tower for Colby is KSNK (NBC), 35 miles away with a fair 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 Colby
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KWKSFull power | 20 mi | 237° WSW | Good | Colby, KS |
| K33FO-DTranslator | 50 mi | 339° NNW | Poor | Benkelman, NE |
| K21OI-DTranslator | 60 mi | 8° N | Poor | McCook/Culbertson, NE |
How Colby compares with the rest of Kansas
With 4 stations at fair strength or better, Colby ranks 153rd of 216 places in Kansas: fewer than the typical Kansas town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 19 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
47% of Kansas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Colby: 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 32° NNE, the direction of KSNK (NBC), 35 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 4 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 Colby, KS?
ABC is on channel 4 from KLBY, broadcasting from 19 miles WSW of Colby. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Colby, KS?
CBS is on channel 10 from KBSL-DT, broadcasting from 27 miles W of Colby. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is NBC in Colby, KS?
NBC is on channel 8 from KSNK, broadcasting from 35 miles NNE of Colby. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Colby?
7 transmitters within 70 miles of Colby; around 4 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 Colby?
The main network towers around Colby are in different directions: ABC 238° WSW (19 mi), CBS 281° W (27 mi) and NBC 32° NNE (35 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Colby?
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. The towers are spread over about 153° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Colby?
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 Colby?
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 Kansas cities
More: all TV stations in Kansas · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Colby; signal estimates ignore terrain.