TV channels & antenna towers in Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Prestonsburg has 18 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, CW and ION. About 9 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WKPI-TV, 30 miles to the SSE.
Network channels in Prestonsburg
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSWYMT-TVCBS | 57 | 40 mi | 215° SW | Fair | Hazard, KY |
| NBCWSAZ-TVNBC | 3 | 66 mi | 27° NNE | Fair | Huntington, WV |
| CWWQCWCW | 30 | 66 mi | 27° NNE | Fair | Portsmouth, OH |
| CBSWOWK-TVCBS | 13 | 66 mi | 28° NNE | Weak | Huntington, WV |
| IONWLPX-TVION | 29 | 66 mi | 28° NNE | Weak | Charleston, WV |
| ABCWCHS-TVABC | 8 | 70 mi | 42° NE | Fair | Charleston, WV |
Over-the-air TV in Prestonsburg
With roughly 3,350 residents, Prestonsburg is a town in Kentucky. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 18 licensed TV transmitters: 14 full-power, 2 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 9 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 5 between 25 and 45 miles, and 13 farther out. Two of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Huntington, WV, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Huntington's stations.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 8 (WCHS-TV), CBS on channel 57 (WYMT-TV), NBC on channel 3 (WSAZ-TV), CW on channel 30 (WQCW) and ION on channel 29 (WLPX-TV). No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WDKY-TV in Danville, KY, 86 miles to the west. 8 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 Prestonsburg
The main network towers around Prestonsburg are in different directions: ABC 42° NE (70 mi), CBS 215° SW (40 mi) and NBC 27° NNE (66 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Four network stations, WSAZ-TV, WQCW, WOWK-TV and WLPX-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 66 miles northeast of Prestonsburg (27° NNE). That one direction covers every station on the site.
Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Prestonsburg at fair strength or better, 75% arrive from the northeast; the rest are spread across one other direction.
WCHS-TV (ABC) and WSAZ-TV (NBC) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Prestonsburg. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Prestonsburg
The farthest main network tower for Prestonsburg is WCHS-TV (ABC), 70 miles away with a fair 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 Prestonsburg
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WKPI-TVFull power | 30 mi | 153° SSE | Fair | Pikeville, KY |
| WHJC-LPLow power | 31 mi | 85° E | Weak | Williamson, WV |
| W32FD-DTranslator | 32 mi | 16° NNE | Poor | Louisa, KY |
| WKHAFull power | 40 mi | 215° SW | Fair | Hazard, KY |
| WLJC-TVFull power | 49 mi | 266° W | Fair | Beattyville, KY |
| WKMRFull power | 49 mi | 316° NW | Fair | Morehead, KY |
| WKASFull power | 56 mi | 8° N | Poor | Ashland, KY |
| W26EW-DLow power | 56 mi | 21° NNE | Poor | Huntington, WV |
| WTSFFull power | 56 mi | 21° NNE | Poor | Ashland, KY |
| WHWV-LDTranslator | 57 mi | 27° NNE | Poor | Huntington, WV |
| WVPB-TVFull power | 65 mi | 28° NNE | Weak | Huntington, WV |
| WVAH-TVFull power | 70 mi | 42° NE | Fair | Charleston, WV |
How Prestonsburg compares with the rest of Kentucky
With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Prestonsburg ranks 203rd of 275 places in Kentucky: fewer than the typical Kentucky town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 40 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
29% of Kentucky's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Prestonsburg: 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 42° NE, the direction of WCHS-TV (ABC), 70 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 9 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 Prestonsburg, KY?
ABC is on channel 8 from WCHS-TV, broadcasting from 70 miles NE of Prestonsburg. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Prestonsburg, KY?
CBS is on channel 57 from WYMT-TV, broadcasting from 40 miles SW of Prestonsburg. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Prestonsburg, KY?
NBC is on channel 3 from WSAZ-TV, broadcasting from 66 miles NNE of Prestonsburg. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Prestonsburg, KY?
CW is on channel 30 from WQCW, broadcasting from 66 miles NNE of Prestonsburg. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Prestonsburg?
18 transmitters within 70 miles of Prestonsburg; around 9 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 Prestonsburg?
The main network towers around Prestonsburg are in different directions: ABC 42° NE (70 mi), CBS 215° SW (40 mi) and NBC 27° NNE (66 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Prestonsburg?
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 188° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Prestonsburg?
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 Prestonsburg?
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 Kentucky cities
- Van Lear7.3 mi
- Paintsville10 mi
- Coal Run Village16 mi
- Salyersville17 mi
- Inez19 mi
- Pikeville19 mi
- Hindman25 mi
- West Liberty32 mi
- Louisa32 mi
- Jackson34 mi
- Jenkins35 mi
- Hazard37 mi
- Whitesburg38 mi
- Campton43 mi
- Grayson47 mi
- Hyden48 mi
- Cumberland49 mi
- Olive Hill49 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Williamson, WV27 mi
- Clintwood, VA40 mi
- Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV42 mi
- Wayne, WV42 mi
- Grundy, VA46 mi
- Gilbert Creek, WV48 mi
More: all TV stations in Kentucky · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Prestonsburg; signal estimates ignore terrain.