TV stations in Louisiana

Louisiana has 86 licensed TV transmitters: 39 full-power, 17 Class A, 28 low-power and 2 translator stations. Translators make up 2% of the total, below the national share of 41%, a sign that most people live within reach of the main towers.

Most full-power and Class A stations are licensed to New Orleans (12), Baton Rouge (10), Shreveport (7) and Lafayette (5). Those cities are where the main broadcast hubs sit, and most viewers aim their antennas toward one of them.

The most powerful full-power transmitter in Louisiana is KATC (ABC) in Lafayette, at 1,000 kW effective radiated power. The tallest is KNOE-TV near Monroe, 579 m (1,899 ft) above the surrounding terrain.

We ran a reception estimate for all 283 cities and towns in Louisiana. A typical place gets 16 stations at fair strength or better (national median: 17), and its nearest major network tower is about 19 miles away. 23% of places can use an indoor antenna, 50% need an amplified or attic antenna, 27% an outdoor directional antenna and 0% a long-range setup.

Weighted by population, the share of residents with a listed affiliate at fair strength or better is: ABC 100%, CBS 75%, NBC 89% and Fox 89%.

Donaldsonville has the most stations in reach (25). Franklinton is the hardest place to get network TV over the air: its nearest major network tower is 54 miles away.