TV channels & antenna towers in Appleton, Maine
Appleton has 19 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, NBC, Fox, CW and MeTV. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WFYW-LD, 22 miles to the W.
Network channels in Appleton
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWWABI-TVCW | 5.2 | 30 mi | 16° NNE | Fair | Bangor, ME |
| NBCWLBZNBC | 2 | 42 mi | 43° NE | Weak | Bangor, ME |
| MeTVWBGR-LDMeTV | 18.1 | 45 mi | 24° NNE | Poor | Bangor/Dedham, ME |
| ABCWVII-TVABC | 7 | 47 mi | 46° NE | Weak | Bangor, ME |
| FOXWFVX-LDFox | 22 | 47 mi | 46° NE | Weak | Bangor, ME |
| FOXWGME-TVFox | 13.2 | 66 mi | 248° WSW | Good | Portland, ME |
Over-the-air TV in Appleton
With roughly 1,320 residents, Appleton is a small community in Maine. Our map shows 19 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 7 full-power and 12 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 4 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 8 between 25 and 45 miles, and 10 farther out. Four of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Bangor, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Bangor's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 7 (WVII-TV), NBC on channel 2 (WLBZ), Fox on channel 13.2 (WGME-TV), CW on channel 5.2 (WABI-TV) and MeTV on channel 18.1 (WBGR-LD). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WBZ-TV in Boston, MA, 169 miles to the southwest. 3 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 Appleton
The main network towers around Appleton are in different directions: ABC 46° NE (47 mi), NBC 43° NE (42 mi) and Fox 248° WSW (66 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
WVII-TV (ABC) and WGME-TV (Fox) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Appleton. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Appleton
The farthest main network tower for Appleton is WGME-TV (Fox), 66 miles away with a good 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 Appleton
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WFYW-LDLow power | 22 mi | 279° W | Poor | Fairfield/Waterville, ME |
| W19FA-DLow power | 30 mi | 16° NNE | Fair | Bangor, ME |
| W21EO-DLow power | 30 mi | 16° NNE | Poor | Orono, ME |
| WCBBFull power | 39 mi | 256° WSW | Good | Augusta, ME |
| W15DS-DLow power | 45 mi | 24° NNE | Poor | Bangor, ME |
| W34EQ-DLow power | 45 mi | 24° NNE | Poor | Bangor, ME |
| W20ER-DLow power | 45 mi | 30° NNE | Poor | Bangor, ME |
| W32FS-DLow power | 45 mi | 30° NNE | Poor | Bangor, ME |
| W36FM-DLow power | 47 mi | 46° NE | Poor | Etna, ME |
| WMEB-TVFull power | 47 mi | 46° NE | Good | Orono, ME |
| W14DA-DLow power | 48 mi | 226° SW | Poor | Harpswell, ME |
| WEXZ-LDLow power | 51 mi | 358° N | Poor | Bangor, ME |
| WPFOFull power | 66 mi | 248° WSW | Good | Waterville, ME |
How Appleton compares with the rest of Maine
With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Appleton ranks 166th of 256 places in Maine: fewer than the typical Maine town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 30 miles away, against a state median of 28 miles.
53% of Maine's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Bangor, 42 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Appleton: 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 248° WSW, the direction of WGME-TV (Fox), 66 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 6 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 Appleton, ME?
ABC is on channel 7 from WVII-TV, broadcasting from 47 miles NE of Appleton. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is NBC in Appleton, ME?
NBC is on channel 2 from WLBZ, broadcasting from 42 miles NE of Appleton. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is Fox in Appleton, ME?
Fox is on channel 13.2 from WGME-TV, broadcasting from 66 miles WSW of Appleton. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Appleton, ME?
CW is on channel 5.2 from WABI-TV, broadcasting from 30 miles NNE of Appleton. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Appleton?
19 transmitters within 70 miles of Appleton; around 6 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 Appleton?
The main network towers around Appleton are in different directions: ABC 46° NE (47 mi), NBC 43° NE (42 mi) and Fox 248° WSW (66 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Appleton?
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 158° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Appleton?
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 Appleton?
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 Maine cities
- Jefferson11 mi
- Rockland15 mi
- Belfast15 mi
- Winslow26 mi
- Waterville26 mi
- Augusta26 mi
- Gardiner26 mi
- Vinalhaven27 mi
- Deer Isle29 mi
- Bucksport30 mi
- Richmond31 mi
- Boothbay34 mi
- Pittsfield35 mi
- North Bath37 mi
- Bath39 mi
- Skowhegan40 mi
- Bangor42 mi
- Brewer43 mi
- Corinna44 mi
- Topsham44 mi
- Brunswick44 mi
- Tremont45 mi
- Ellsworth45 mi
- Lisbon46 mi
More: all TV stations in Maine · Northeast region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Appleton; signal estimates ignore terrain.