TV channels & antenna towers in Hill City, Kansas
Hill City has 4 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS and NBC. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K25CV-D, 42 miles to the SE.
Network channels in Hill City
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSKBSH-DTCBS | 7 | 43 mi | 141° SE | Fair | Hays, KS |
| NBCKSNKNBC | 8 | 56 mi | 305° NW | Poor | McCook, NE |
Over-the-air TV in Hill City
Hill City is a small community of about 1,470 people in Kansas. There are 4 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 2 full-power, 1 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 2 between 25 and 45 miles, and 2 farther out.
For the networks, the best local options are CBS on channel 7 (KBSH-DT) and NBC on channel 8 (KSNK). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KLBY in Colby, KS, 81 miles to the west. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KOCW in Hoisington, KS, 74 miles to the southeast.
Which way to point your antenna in Hill City
The main network towers around Hill City are in different directions: CBS 141° SE (43 mi) and NBC 305° NW (56 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
KSNK (NBC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Hill City. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Hill City
The farthest main network tower for Hill City is KSNK (NBC), 56 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
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 Hill City
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K25CV-DLow power | 42 mi | 138° SE | Poor | Hays, KS |
| K33NP-DTranslator | 61 mi | 120° ESE | Poor | Russell, KS |
How Hill City compares with the rest of Kansas
With 1 station at fair strength or better, Hill City ranks 194th of 216 places in Kansas: fewer than the typical Kansas town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 43 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
36% of Kansas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Hays, 43 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Hill City: 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 305° NW, the direction of KSNK (NBC), 56 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 1 station, 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 CBS in Hill City, KS?
CBS is on channel 7 from KBSH-DT, broadcasting from 43 miles SE of Hill City. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Hill City, KS?
NBC is on channel 8 from KSNK, broadcasting from 56 miles NW of Hill City. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Hill City?
4 transmitters within 70 miles of Hill City; around 1 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 Hill City?
The main network towers around Hill City are in different directions: CBS 141° SE (43 mi) and NBC 305° NW (56 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Hill City?
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 165° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Hill City?
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 Hill City?
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
- WaKeeney24 mi
- Plainville30 mi
- Stockton31 mi
- Hoxie32 mi
- Norton33 mi
- Ellis33 mi
- Phillipsburg39 mi
- Hays43 mi
- Gove45 mi
- Oberlin48 mi
More: all TV stations in Kansas · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Hill City; signal estimates ignore terrain.