RCA Signal Finder

TV channels & antenna towers in East Tawas, Michigan

East Tawas has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CBS. About 4 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WBKB-TV (ABC), 29 miles to the N.

Open East Tawas in the live finder
10TV transmitters within 70 miles
2networks over the air
29 mito the closest tower
2,747population

Network channels in East Tawas

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
ABCWBKB-TVABC11.3 29 mi357° N FairAlpena, MI
CBSWNEM-TVCBS5 59 mi198° SSW FairBay City, MI

Over-the-air TV in East Tawas

With roughly 2,750 residents, East Tawas is a town in Michigan. Our map shows 10 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 4 full-power and 6 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 4 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.

By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 9 farther out.

For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 11.3 (WBKB-TV) and CBS on channel 5 (WNEM-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WEYI-TV in Saginaw, MI, 74 miles to the south. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WSMH in Flint, MI, 78 miles to the south. 2 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 East Tawas

The main network towers around East Tawas are in different directions: ABC 357° N (29 mi) and CBS 198° SSW (59 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

WNEM-TV (CBS) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from East Tawas. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

Antenna and amplifier advice for East Tawas

The farthest main network tower for East Tawas is WNEM-TV (CBS), 59 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.

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 East Tawas

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
W34FD-DLow power47 mi 211° SSWPoorSaginaw, MI
WKNX-LDLow power49 mi 206° SSWPoorBay City, MI
WDCQ-TVFull power52 mi 189° SFairBad Axe, MI
WFFC-LDLow power65 mi 200° SSWPoorMidland, MI
W31FF-DLow power67 mi 236° SWPoorSaginaw, MI
W27ET-DLow power67 mi 236° SWPoorSaginaw, MI
W19FG-DLow power67 mi 236° SWPoorMidland, MI
WCMLFull power68 mi 331° NNWFairAlpena, MI

How East Tawas compares with the rest of Michigan

With 4 stations at fair strength or better, East Tawas ranks 419th of 447 places in Michigan: fewer than the typical Michigan town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 29 miles away, against a state median of 20 miles.

19% of Michigan's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.

Setting up an antenna in East Tawas: step by step

  1. 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.
  2. Point it toward 198° SSW, the direction of WNEM-TV (CBS), 59 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
  3. Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
  4. Expect around 4 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
  5. Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in East Tawas, MI?

ABC is on channel 11.3 from WBKB-TV, broadcasting from 29 miles N of East Tawas. Estimated signal: fair.

What channel is CBS in East Tawas, MI?

CBS is on channel 5 from WNEM-TV, broadcasting from 59 miles SSW of East Tawas. Estimated signal: fair.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in East Tawas?

10 transmitters within 70 miles of East Tawas; around 4 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 East Tawas?

The main network towers around East Tawas are in different directions: ABC 357° N (29 mi) and CBS 198° SSW (59 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

What kind of antenna do I need in East Tawas?

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 159° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in East Tawas?

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 East Tawas?

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 Michigan cities

More: all TV stations in Michigan · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of East Tawas; signal estimates ignore terrain.