TV channels & antenna towers in Oberlin, Kansas
Oberlin has 11 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS and NBC. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KSNK (NBC), 9.2 miles to the W.
Network channels in Oberlin
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKSNKNBC | 8 | 9.2 mi | 275° W | Good | McCook, NE |
| ABCKWNB-LDABC | 6 | 28 mi | 345° NNW | Weak | McCook, NE |
| ABCKLBYABC | 4 | 59 mi | 229° SW | Weak | Colby, KS |
| CBSKBSL-DTCBS | 10 | 60 mi | 247° WSW | Weak | Goodland, KS |
| ABCKWNB-TVABC | 6 | 62 mi | 335° NNW | Poor | Hayes Center, NE |
Over-the-air TV in Oberlin
Oberlin is a small community of about 1,760 people in Kansas. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 11 licensed TV transmitters: 6 full-power, 2 low-power and 3 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 3 between 25 and 45 miles, and 7 farther out. Two of the 5 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 6 (KWNB-LD), 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, 96 miles to the north. 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 Oberlin
The main network towers around Oberlin are in different directions: ABC 229° SW (59 mi), CBS 247° WSW (60 mi) and NBC 275° W (9.2 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
KLBY (ABC) and KBSL-DT (CBS) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Oberlin. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Oberlin
The farthest main network tower for Oberlin is KBSL-DT (CBS), 60 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 Oberlin
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K21OI-DTranslator | 36 mi | 328° NNW | Weak | McCook/Culbertson, NE |
| K30FV-DLow power | 40 mi | 18° NNE | Poor | Cambridge, NE |
| K33FO-DTranslator | 49 mi | 291° WNW | Poor | Benkelman, NE |
| KWKSFull power | 60 mi | 228° SW | Fair | Colby, KS |
| K20IJ-DTranslator | 61 mi | 313° NW | Poor | Wauneta, NE |
| KLNE-TVFull power | 69 mi | 55° NE | Weak | Lexington, NE |
How Oberlin compares with the rest of Kansas
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Oberlin ranks 179th of 216 places in Kansas: fewer than the typical Kansas town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 9.2 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 Oberlin: 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 247° WSW, the direction of KBSL-DT (CBS), 60 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 Oberlin, KS?
ABC is on channel 6 from KWNB-LD, broadcasting from 28 miles NNW of Oberlin. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CBS in Oberlin, KS?
CBS is on channel 10 from KBSL-DT, broadcasting from 60 miles WSW of Oberlin. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is NBC in Oberlin, KS?
NBC is on channel 8 from KSNK, broadcasting from 9.2 miles W of Oberlin. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Oberlin?
11 transmitters within 70 miles of Oberlin; 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 Oberlin?
The main network towers around Oberlin are in different directions: ABC 229° SW (59 mi), CBS 247° WSW (60 mi) and NBC 275° W (9.2 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Oberlin?
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 Oberlin?
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 Oberlin?
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
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More: all TV stations in Kansas · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Oberlin; signal estimates ignore terrain.