TV channels & antenna towers in Lakin, Kansas
Lakin has 17 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KSWK, 11 miles to the SE.
Network channels in Lakin
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKSNGNBC | 11 | 24 mi | 118° ESE | Good | Garden City, KS |
| ABCKUPKABC | 13 | 38 mi | 122° ESE | Fair | Garden City, KS |
| CBSKBSD-DTCBS | 6 | 54 mi | 112° ESE | Weak | Ensign, KS |
| FOXKSAS-LPFox | 17 | 66 mi | 99° E | Poor | Dodge City, KS |
Over-the-air TV in Lakin
With roughly 2,200 residents, Lakin is a small community in Kansas. Our map shows 17 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 5 full-power, 8 low-power and 4 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
6 of them are within 25 miles of Lakin, 2 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 9 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 4 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), CBS on channel 6 (KBSD-DT), NBC on channel 11 (KSNG) and Fox on channel 17 (KSAS-LP). 2 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Lakin
Point your antenna ESE, at about 120°. The main network towers for Lakin 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 Lakin, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Lakin
The farthest main network tower for Lakin is KUPK (ABC), 38 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here.
KBSD-DT (CBS), 54 miles east, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
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 Lakin
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KSWKFull power | 11 mi | 135° SE | Good | Lakin, KS |
| K29JU-DLow power | 20 mi | 80° E | Poor | Garden City, KS |
| KGCE-LDLow power | 23 mi | 120° ESE | Fair | Garden City, KS |
| KAAS-LPLow power | 23 mi | 102° ESE | Fair | Garden City, KS |
| KDGU-LDLow power | 25 mi | 187° S | Weak | Ulysses, KS |
| KDGL-LDLow power | 39 mi | 146° SE | Poor | Sublette, KS |
| KDCKFull power | 59 mi | 97° E | Poor | Dodge City, KS |
| K34NM-DTranslator | 65 mi | 276° W | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| K35JS-DTranslator | 65 mi | 276° W | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| K31NI-DTranslator | 65 mi | 276° W | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| K33KV-DTranslator | 65 mi | 276° W | Poor | Lamar, CO |
| KSWE-LDLow power | 65 mi | 160° SSE | Poor | Liberal, KS |
| KDDC-LDLow power | 68 mi | 100° E | Poor | Dodge City, KS |
How Lakin compares with the rest of Kansas
With 5 stations at fair strength or better, Lakin ranks 140th of 216 places in Kansas: fewer than the typical Kansas town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 24 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. The nearest larger city is Garden City, 21 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Lakin: 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 122° ESE, the direction of KUPK (ABC), 38 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 5 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 Lakin, KS?
ABC is on channel 13 from KUPK, broadcasting from 38 miles ESE of Lakin. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Lakin, KS?
CBS is on channel 6 from KBSD-DT, broadcasting from 54 miles ESE of Lakin. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is NBC in Lakin, KS?
NBC is on channel 11 from KSNG, broadcasting from 24 miles ESE of Lakin. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Lakin, KS?
Fox is on channel 17 from KSAS-LP, broadcasting from 66 miles E of Lakin. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Lakin?
17 transmitters within 70 miles of Lakin; around 5 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 Lakin?
Point your antenna ESE, at about 120°. The main network towers for Lakin sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Lakin?
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. Picking up CBS from up to 54 miles away would take an outdoor antenna.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Lakin?
KBSD-DT (CBS), 54 miles east, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Lakin?
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
- Holcomb15 mi
- Garden City21 mi
- Ulysses25 mi
- Syracuse27 mi
- Johnson37 mi
- Leoti38 mi
- Satanta38 mi
- Sublette39 mi
- Scott City42 mi
- Tribune45 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 Lakin; signal estimates ignore terrain.