TV channels & antenna towers in Madison, Minnesota

Madison has 41 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KWCM-TV, 14 miles to the NE.

Open Madison in the live finder

41TV transmitters within 70 miles

2networks over the air

14 mito the closest tower

1,462population

Network channels in Madison

Station	Channel	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
ABCKRWFABC	43	50 mi	136° SE	Weak	Redwood Falls, MN
CWKDLO-TVCW	3.4	68 mi	268° W	Weak	Florence, SD
ABCKSAXABC	42	69 mi	46° NE	Poor	Alexandria, MN

Over-the-air TV in Madison

Madison, Minnesota has a population of about 1,460. There are 41 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 5 full-power, 8 low-power and 28 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.

1 of them is within 25 miles of Madison, 0 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 40 are more than 45 miles out.

For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 43 (KRWF) and CW on channel 3.4 (KDLO-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, MN, 149 miles to the east. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KARE in Minneapolis, MN, 149 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 Madison

Point your antenna SE, at about 136°. The main network towers for Madison sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

KRWF (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Madison. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Madison

The farthest main network tower for Madison is KRWF (ABC), 50 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.

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 Madison

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 38; see all in the finder.

Station	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
KWCM-TVFull power	14 mi	41° NE	Good	Appleton, MN
K32DK-DLow power	46 mi	258° WSW	Poor	Watertown, SD
K28OE-DTranslator	46 mi	258° WSW	Poor	Watertown, SD
K34QF-DLow power	51 mi	159° SSE	Poor	Vesta, MN
K17NF-DLow power	54 mi	211° SSW	Poor	Brookings, SD
K25OU-DLow power	56 mi	210° SSW	Poor	Brookings, SD
K15IS-DLow power	57 mi	84° E	Poor	Willmar, MN
K30FZ-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K17FA-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K34HO-DLow power	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K26NU-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K14LF-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K33OT-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K22ND-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K35NR-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K19IH-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K36OL-DTranslator	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K28IF-DLow power	57 mi	79° ENE	Poor	Willmar, MN
K35GR-DTranslator	63 mi	235° SW	Poor	Badger, SD
K31OR-DTranslator	67 mi	105° ESE	Poor	Olivia, MN
K21NS-DTranslator	67 mi	105° ESE	Poor	Olivia, MN
K18IR-DTranslator	67 mi	105° ESE	Poor	Olivia, MN
K34OZ-DTranslator	67 mi	105° ESE	Poor	Olivia, MN
K20JY-DTranslator	67 mi	105° ESE	Poor	Olivia, MN
K23FP-DTranslator	67 mi	105° ESE	Poor	Olivia, MN

How Madison compares with the rest of Minnesota

With 1 station at fair strength or better, Madison ranks 365th of 371 places in Minnesota: fewer than the typical Minnesota town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 50 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 Watertown, 46 miles away.

Setting up an antenna in Madison: 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 136° SE, the direction of KRWF (ABC), 50 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 1 station, 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 Madison, MN?

ABC is on channel 43 from KRWF, broadcasting from 50 miles SE of Madison. Estimated signal: weak.

What channel is CW in Madison, MN?

CW is on channel 3.4 from KDLO-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles W of Madison. Estimated signal: weak.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Madison?

41 transmitters within 70 miles of Madison; around 1 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 Madison?

Point your antenna SE, at about 136°. The main network towers for Madison sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in Madison?

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 Madison?

Is there an app to find TV towers in Madison?

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

Nearby cities in other states

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