TV channels & antenna towers in Johnson, Kansas
Johnson has 19 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and NBC. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KDGU-LD, 24 miles to the E.
Network channels in Johnson
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKSNGNBC | 11 | 50 mi | 73° ENE | Fair | Garden City, KS |
| ABCKUPKABC | 13 | 59 mi | 84° E | Weak | Garden City, KS |
Over-the-air TV in Johnson
Johnson, Kansas has a population of about 1,330. Our map shows 19 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 3 full-power, 7 low-power and 9 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
1 of them is within 25 miles of Johnson, 1 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 17 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 2 network stations in range are licensed to Garden City, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Garden City's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 13 (KUPK) and NBC on channel 11 (KSNG). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KBSD-DT in Ensign, KS, 77 miles to the east. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KCIT in Amarillo, TX, 154 miles to the south. 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 Johnson
Point your antenna ENE, at about 79°. The main network towers for Johnson sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
KUPK (ABC) and KSNG (NBC) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Johnson. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Johnson
The farthest main network tower for Johnson is KUPK (ABC), 59 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.
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 Johnson
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KDGU-LDLow power | 24 mi | 88° E | Weak | Ulysses, KS |
| KSWKFull power | 39 mi | 63° ENE | Fair | Lakin, KS |
| KGCE-LDLow power | 49 mi | 73° ENE | Poor | Garden City, KS |
| K34NM-DTranslator | 49 mi | 311° NW | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| K35JS-DTranslator | 49 mi | 311° NW | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| K31NI-DTranslator | 49 mi | 311° NW | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| K33KV-DTranslator | 49 mi | 311° NW | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| KDGL-LDLow power | 50 mi | 97° E | Poor | Sublette, KS |
| KAAS-LPLow power | 54 mi | 67° ENE | Poor | Garden City, KS |
| K29JU-DLow power | 55 mi | 58° ENE | Poor | Garden City, KS |
| K20MP-DLow power | 56 mi | 305° NW | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| KSWE-LDLow power | 61 mi | 126° SE | Poor | Liberal, KS |
| K30FY-DTranslator | 64 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Guymon, OK |
| K28GI-DTranslator | 64 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Guymon, OK |
| K32GD-DTranslator | 64 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Guymon, OK |
| K26JO-DTranslator | 64 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Guymon, OK |
| K16AB-DTranslator | 64 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Guymon, OK |
How Johnson compares with the rest of Kansas
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Johnson ranks 179th of 216 places in Kansas: fewer than the typical Kansas town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 50 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 Johnson: 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 84° E, the direction of KUPK (ABC), 59 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 2 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 Johnson, KS?
ABC is on channel 13 from KUPK, broadcasting from 59 miles E of Johnson. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is NBC in Johnson, KS?
NBC is on channel 11 from KSNG, broadcasting from 50 miles ENE of Johnson. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Johnson?
19 transmitters within 70 miles of Johnson; around 2 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 Johnson?
Point your antenna ENE, at about 79°. The main network towers for Johnson sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Johnson?
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 Johnson?
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 Johnson?
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
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in Kansas · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Johnson; signal estimates ignore terrain.