TV channels & antenna towers in Houlton, Maine
Houlton has 3 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying NBC and CW. About 3 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WMEM-TV, 29 miles to the N.
Network channels in Houlton
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWWAGM-TVCW | 8.3 | 29 mi | 3° N | Fair | Presque Isle, ME |
| NBCWWPI-CDNBC | 16 | 29 mi | 3° N | Fair | Presque Isle, ME |
Over-the-air TV in Houlton
Houlton is a town of about 5,000 people in Maine. There are 3 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 2 full-power and 1 Class A. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 3 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Houlton, 3 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 0 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 2 network stations in range are licensed to Presque Isle, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Presque Isle's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are NBC on channel 16 (WWPI-CD) and CW on channel 8.3 (WAGM-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WVII-TV in Bangor, ME, 101 miles to the south. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WGME-TV in Portland, ME, 200 miles to the southwest. No CBS affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Houlton. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Houlton
Point your antenna N, at about 3°. The main network towers for Houlton sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, WAGM-TV and WWPI-CD, transmit from the same tower site about 29 miles north of Houlton (3° N). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Houlton, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Houlton
The farthest main network tower for Houlton is WWPI-CD (NBC), 29 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
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 Houlton
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WMEM-TVFull power | 29 mi | 3° N | Fair | Presque Isle, ME |
How Houlton compares with the rest of Maine
With 3 stations at fair strength or better, Houlton ranks 221st of 256 places in Maine: fewer than the typical Maine town (8). Its nearest major network tower is 29 miles away, against a state median of 28 miles.
41% of Maine's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Houlton: 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 3° N, the direction of WWPI-CD (NBC), 29 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 3 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 NBC in Houlton, ME?
NBC is on channel 16 from WWPI-CD, broadcasting from 29 miles N of Houlton. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Houlton, ME?
CW is on channel 8.3 from WAGM-TV, broadcasting from 29 miles N of Houlton. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Houlton?
3 transmitters within 70 miles of Houlton; around 3 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 Houlton?
Point your antenna N, at about 3°. The main network towers for Houlton sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Houlton?
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.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Houlton?
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.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Houlton?
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
- Hodgdon5.1 mi
- Patten30 mi
- Easton36 mi
- Presque Isle39 mi
- Fort Fairfield45 mi
- Medway49 mi
- East Millinocket49 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 Houlton; signal estimates ignore terrain.