TV channels & antenna towers in Madelia, Minnesota
Madelia has 67 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, Fox and CW. About 18 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K25QC-D, 5.8 miles to the E.
Network channels in Madelia
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXKEYC-TVFox | 12.2 | 7.9 mi | 177° S | Good | Mankato, MN |
| CWKMNF-CDCW | 7.2 | 7.9 mi | 177° S | Fair | Mankato, MN |
| ABCKRWFABC | 43 | 61 mi | 300° WNW | Poor | Redwood Falls, MN |
Over-the-air TV in Madelia
With roughly 2,250 residents, Madelia is a small community in Minnesota. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 67 licensed TV transmitters: 2 full-power, 1 Class A, 28 low-power and 36 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 18 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
22 of them are within 25 miles of Madelia, 33 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 12 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 3 network stations in range are licensed to Mankato, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Mankato's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 43 (KRWF), Fox on channel 12.2 (KEYC-TV) and CW on channel 7.2 (KMNF-CD). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, MN, 94 miles to the northeast. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KARE in Minneapolis, MN, 94 miles to the northeast.
Which way to point your antenna in Madelia
The main network towers around Madelia are in different directions: ABC 300° WNW (61 mi) and Fox 177° S (7.9 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Two network stations, KEYC-TV and KMNF-CD, transmit from the same tower site about 7.9 miles south of Madelia (177° S). That one direction covers every station on the site.
KRWF (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Madelia. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Madelia
The farthest main network tower for Madelia is KRWF (ABC), 61 miles away with a very 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 Madelia
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 64; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K25QC-DLow power | 5.8 mi | 89° E | Good | Lake Crystal, MN |
| K14KE-DTranslator | 9.6 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K26CS-DTranslator | 9.6 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K30FN-DLow power | 9.6 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K28OH-DLow power | 9.6 mi | 294° WNW | Weak | St. James, MN |
| K32GX-DLow power | 9.6 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K34JX-DLow power | 9.6 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K16CG-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K35KI-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K21DG-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K19LI-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Weak | St. James, MN |
| K22MQ-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Weak | St. James, MN |
| K23MF-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K18NE-DTranslator | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K17MW-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Weak | St. James, MN |
| K24JV-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K29IE-DTranslator | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K31KV-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K20LP-DLow power | 9.8 mi | 294° WNW | Fair | St. James, MN |
| K33MW-DLow power | 20 mi | 65° ENE | Fair | Mankato, MN |
| K16MA-DTranslator | 40 mi | 143° SE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K19LJ-DTranslator | 40 mi | 143° SE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K34NV-DTranslator | 40 mi | 143° SE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K27FI-DTranslator | 40 mi | 143° SE | Poor | Frost, MN |
| K31EF-DTranslator | 40 mi | 143° SE | Poor | Frost, MN |
How Madelia compares with the rest of Minnesota
With 18 stations at fair strength or better, Madelia ranks 125th of 371 places in Minnesota: more than the typical Minnesota town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 7.9 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
33% of Minnesota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Mankato, 22 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Madelia: 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 300° WNW, the direction of KRWF (ABC), 61 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 18 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 ABC in Madelia, MN?
ABC is on channel 43 from KRWF, broadcasting from 61 miles WNW of Madelia. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is Fox in Madelia, MN?
Fox is on channel 12.2 from KEYC-TV, broadcasting from 7.9 miles S of Madelia. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Madelia, MN?
CW is on channel 7.2 from KMNF-CD, broadcasting from 7.9 miles S of Madelia. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Madelia?
67 transmitters within 70 miles of Madelia; around 18 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 Madelia?
The main network towers around Madelia are in different directions: ABC 300° WNW (61 mi) and Fox 177° S (7.9 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Madelia?
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 123° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Madelia?
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 Madelia?
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 Minnesota cities
- Lake Crystal11 mi
- Saint James11 mi
- Truman15 mi
- New Ulm18 mi
- Nicollet19 mi
- North Mankato21 mi
- Mankato22 mi
- Sleepy Eye23 mi
- Winnebago23 mi
- Mapleton24 mi
- Mountain Lake27 mi
- Fairmont28 mi
- Saint Peter30 mi
- Springfield31 mi
- Sherburn32 mi
- Blue Earth33 mi
- Gaylord36 mi
- Fairfax36 mi
- Windom37 mi
- Le Sueur38 mi
- Wells40 mi
- Jackson41 mi
- Waterville44 mi
- Waseca45 mi
More: all TV stations in Minnesota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Madelia; signal estimates ignore terrain.