RCA Signal Finder

TV channels & antenna towers in Tawas City, Michigan

Tawas City 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), 30 miles to the N.

Open Tawas City in the live finder
10TV transmitters within 70 miles
2networks over the air
30 mito the closest tower
1,786population

Network channels in Tawas City

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
ABCWBKB-TVABC11.3 30 mi359° N FairAlpena, MI
CBSWNEM-TVCBS5 58 mi197° SSW FairBay City, MI

Over-the-air TV in Tawas City

Tawas City is a small community of about 1,790 people in Michigan. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 10 licensed TV transmitters: 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.

The best-placed network stations 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, 73 miles to the south. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WSMH in Flint, MI, 77 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 Tawas City

The main network towers around Tawas City are in different directions: ABC 359° N (30 mi) and CBS 197° SSW (58 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 Tawas City. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Tawas City

The farthest main network tower for Tawas City is WNEM-TV (CBS), 58 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.

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 Tawas City

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

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
W34FD-DLow power46 mi 210° SSWPoorSaginaw, MI
WKNX-LDLow power48 mi 205° SSWPoorBay City, MI
WDCQ-TVFull power51 mi 188° SFairBad Axe, MI
WFFC-LDLow power64 mi 199° SSWPoorMidland, MI
W31FF-DLow power66 mi 236° SWPoorSaginaw, MI
W27ET-DLow power66 mi 236° SWPoorSaginaw, MI
W19FG-DLow power66 mi 236° SWPoorMidland, MI
WCMLFull power68 mi 332° NNWFairAlpena, MI

How Tawas City compares with the rest of Michigan

With 4 stations at fair strength or better, Tawas City ranks 419th of 447 places in Michigan: fewer than the typical Michigan town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 30 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 Tawas City: 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 197° SSW, the direction of WNEM-TV (CBS), 58 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 Tawas City, MI?

ABC is on channel 11.3 from WBKB-TV, broadcasting from 30 miles N of Tawas City. Estimated signal: fair.

What channel is CBS in Tawas City, MI?

CBS is on channel 5 from WNEM-TV, broadcasting from 58 miles SSW of Tawas City. Estimated signal: fair.

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

10 transmitters within 70 miles of Tawas City; 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 Tawas City?

The main network towers around Tawas City are in different directions: ABC 359° N (30 mi) and CBS 197° SSW (58 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

What kind of antenna do I need in Tawas City?

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 162° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in Tawas City?

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 Tawas City?

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 Tawas City; signal estimates ignore terrain.