TV channels & antenna towers in Iola, Kansas
Iola has 8 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, CW and ION. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K30AL-D, 15 miles to the E.
Network channels in Iola
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSKOAM-TVCBS | 7 | 62 mi | 142° SE | Weak | Pittsburg, KS |
| CWKFJXCW | 14.2 | 62 mi | 142° SE | Weak | Pittsburg, KS |
| IONKPJO-LDION | 49.6 | 64 mi | 142° SE | Poor | Pittsburg, KS |
Over-the-air TV in Iola
Iola, Kansas has a population of about 5,470. Our map shows 8 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 2 full-power, 5 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.
1 of them is within 25 miles of Iola, 0 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 7 are more than 45 miles out. Three of the 3 network stations in range are licensed to Pittsburg, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Pittsburg's stations.
The strongest network signals here are CBS on channel 7 (KOAM-TV), CW on channel 14.2 (KFJX) and ION on channel 49.6 (KPJO-LD). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KODE-TV in Joplin, MO, 75 miles to the southeast. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KSNF in Joplin, MO, 75 miles to the southeast.
Which way to point your antenna in Iola
Point your antenna SE, at about 142°. The main network towers for Iola sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KOAM-TV and KFJX, transmit from the same tower site about 62 miles southeast of Iola (142° SE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
KOAM-TV (CBS) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Iola. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Iola
The farthest main network tower for Iola is KOAM-TV (CBS), 62 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
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 Iola
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K30AL-DTranslator | 15 mi | 94° E | Fair | Iola, KS |
| K16IS-DLow power | 53 mi | 134° SE | Poor | Pittsburg, KS |
| KMJC-LDLow power | 62 mi | 43° NE | Poor | Kansas City, KS |
| K35KX-DLow power | 63 mi | 344° NNW | Poor | Topeka, KS |
| KRLJ-LDLow power | 64 mi | 142° SE | Poor | Joplin, MO |
How Iola compares with the rest of Kansas
With 1 station at fair strength or better, Iola ranks 194th of 216 places in Kansas: fewer than the typical Kansas town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 62 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
36% of Kansas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Iola: 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 142° SE, the direction of KOAM-TV (CBS), 62 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 Iola, KS?
CBS is on channel 7 from KOAM-TV, broadcasting from 62 miles SE of Iola. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CW in Iola, KS?
CW is on channel 14.2 from KFJX, broadcasting from 62 miles SE of Iola. Estimated signal: weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Iola?
8 transmitters within 70 miles of Iola; 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 Iola?
Point your antenna SE, at about 142°. The main network towers for Iola sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Iola?
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.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Iola?
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 Iola?
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
- Humboldt8.1 mi
- Chanute17 mi
- Yates Center18 mi
- Garnett26 mi
- Erie26 mi
- Burlington26 mi
- Mound City35 mi
- Fredonia36 mi
- Fort Scott38 mi
- Neodesha38 mi
- Parsons41 mi
- Pleasanton41 mi
- Girard42 mi
- La Cygne45 mi
- Cherryvale46 mi
- Arma46 mi
- Osawatomie46 mi
- Ottawa48 mi
- Eureka49 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 Iola; signal estimates ignore terrain.