TV channels & antenna towers in Wakefield, Michigan
Wakefield has 8 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying NBC and CW. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is W32CV-D, 12 miles to the W.
Network channels in Wakefield
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWWYOWCW | 34 | 59 mi | 145° SE | Poor | Eagle River, WI |
| NBCWJFW-TVNBC | 12 | 66 mi | 148° SSE | Weak | Rhinelander, WI |
Over-the-air TV in Wakefield
Wakefield is a small community of about 1,730 people in Michigan. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 8 licensed TV transmitters: 4 full-power and 4 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 4 between 25 and 45 miles, and 3 farther out.
The best-placed network stations are NBC on channel 12 (WJFW-TV) and CW on channel 34 (WYOW). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WMOW in Crandon, WI, 80 miles to the southeast. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WZMQ in Marquette, MI, 109 miles to the east. 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 Wakefield
Point your antenna SSE, at about 148°. The main network towers for Wakefield sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
WJFW-TV (NBC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Wakefield. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Wakefield
The farthest main network tower for Wakefield is WJFW-TV (NBC), 66 miles away with a weak 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 Wakefield
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W32CV-DTranslator | 12 mi | 259° W | Fair | Ironwood, MI |
| W35DM-DTranslator | 36 mi | 147° SSE | Poor | Minocqua, WI |
| W21DS-DTranslator | 36 mi | 147° SSE | Weak | Sayner/Vilas County, WI |
| WLEF-TVFull power | 40 mi | 204° SSW | Good | Park Falls, WI |
| W15EE-DTranslator | 43 mi | 281° W | Poor | Ashland, WI |
| WNWEFull power | 59 mi | 145° SE | Poor | Eagle River, WI |
How Wakefield compares with the rest of Michigan
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Wakefield ranks 429th of 447 places in Michigan: fewer than the typical Michigan town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 59 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 Wakefield: 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 148° SSE, the direction of WJFW-TV (NBC), 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 2 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 Wakefield, MI?
NBC is on channel 12 from WJFW-TV, broadcasting from 66 miles SSE of Wakefield. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CW in Wakefield, MI?
CW is on channel 34 from WYOW, broadcasting from 59 miles SE of Wakefield. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Wakefield?
8 transmitters within 70 miles of Wakefield; around 2 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 Wakefield?
Point your antenna SSE, at about 148°. The main network towers for Wakefield sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Wakefield?
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.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Wakefield?
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 Wakefield?
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
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in Michigan · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Wakefield; signal estimates ignore terrain.