TV stations in Michigan

Michigan has 101 licensed TV transmitters: 50 full-power, 10 Class A, 38 low-power and 3 translator stations. Translators make up 3% 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 Detroit (9), Grand Rapids (6), Kalamazoo (4) and Lansing (3). 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 Michigan is WAQP in Saginaw, at 1,000 kW effective radiated power. The tallest is WWTV near Cadillac, 497 m (1,631 ft) above the surrounding terrain.

We ran a reception estimate for all 447 cities and towns in Michigan. A typical place gets 16 stations at fair strength or better (national median: 17), and its nearest major network tower is about 20 miles away. 26% of places can use an indoor antenna, 56% need an amplified or attic antenna, 19% 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 92%, CBS 97%, NBC 95% and Fox 97%.

Northville has the most stations in reach (28). Harbor Beach is the hardest place to get network TV over the air: its nearest major network tower is 65 miles away.