TV channels & antenna towers in Bolivar, Missouri
Bolivar has 17 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 8 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KRFT-LD, 27 miles to the SSE.
Network channels in Bolivar
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONKFKY-LDION | 20.2 | 29 mi | 161° SSE | Fair | Springfield, MO |
| CBSKOLRCBS | 10 | 37 mi | 137° SE | Fair | Springfield, MO |
| FOXKRBKFox | 49 | 37 mi | 137° SE | Good | Osage Beach, MO |
| CWKYCW-LDCW | 24 | 40 mi | 140° SE | Poor | Branson, MO |
| NBCKYTVNBC | 3 | 40 mi | 140° SE | Good | Springfield, MO |
| CWKSPR-LDCW | 33.2 | 40 mi | 140° SE | Poor | Springfield, MO |
Over-the-air TV in Bolivar
Bolivar is a city of about 10,700 people in Missouri. There are 17 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 6 full-power, 1 Class A, 9 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 8 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 12 between 25 and 45 miles, and 5 farther out. Four of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Springfield, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Springfield's stations.
The strongest network signals here are CBS on channel 10 (KOLR), NBC on channel 3 (KYTV), Fox on channel 49 (KRBK), CW on channel 24 (KYCW-LD) and ION on channel 20.2 (KFKY-LD). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KODE-TV in Joplin, MO, 73 miles to the southwest. 3 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 Bolivar
Point your antenna SE, at about 138°. The main network towers for Bolivar sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KOLR and KRBK, transmit from the same tower site about 37 miles southeast of Bolivar (137° SE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Bolivar at fair strength or better, all arrive from the southeast, so this is an easy place to aim.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Bolivar, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Bolivar
The farthest main network tower for Bolivar is KYTV (NBC), 40 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Bolivar
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRFT-LDLow power | 27 mi | 165° SSE | Fair | Springfield, MO |
| KCNH-LDLow power | 29 mi | 161° SSE | Fair | Springfield, MO |
| K14SH-DLow power | 32 mi | 130° SE | Weak | Marshfield, MO |
| KOZL-TVFull power | 37 mi | 137° SE | Good | Springfield, MO |
| KOZKFull power | 40 mi | 140° SE | Fair | Springfield, MO |
| KSFZ-LDTranslator | 43 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Springfield, MO |
| KRMS-LDLow power | 58 mi | 49° NE | Poor | Lake Ozark, MO |
| K17DL-DLow power | 60 mi | 173° S | Poor | Branson, MO |
| KBNS-CDClass A | 62 mi | 168° SSE | Poor | Branson, MO |
| KWBMFull power | 66 mi | 163° SSE | Weak | Harrison, AR |
| KJNM-LDLow power | 68 mi | 200° SSW | Poor | Cassville, MO |
How Bolivar compares with the rest of Missouri
With 8 stations at fair strength or better, Bolivar ranks 271st of 398 places in Missouri: fewer than the typical Missouri town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 29 miles away, against a state median of 23 miles.
30% of Missouri's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Springfield, 28 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Bolivar: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 140° SE, the direction of KYTV (NBC), 40 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 8 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 CBS in Bolivar, MO?
CBS is on channel 10 from KOLR, broadcasting from 37 miles SE of Bolivar. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Bolivar, MO?
NBC is on channel 3 from KYTV, broadcasting from 40 miles SE of Bolivar. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is Fox in Bolivar, MO?
Fox is on channel 49 from KRBK, broadcasting from 37 miles SE of Bolivar. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Bolivar, MO?
CW is on channel 24 from KYCW-LD, broadcasting from 40 miles SE of Bolivar. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Bolivar?
17 transmitters within 70 miles of Bolivar; around 8 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic 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 Bolivar?
Point your antenna SE, at about 138°. The main network towers for Bolivar sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Bolivar?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Bolivar?
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Bolivar?
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 Missouri cities
- Humansville15 mi
- Buffalo18 mi
- Willard21 mi
- Stockton22 mi
- Hermitage23 mi
- Greenfield27 mi
- Springfield28 mi
- Strafford29 mi
- Marshfield34 mi
- Osceola34 mi
- Republic34 mi
- Battlefield35 mi
- El Dorado Springs38 mi
- Rogersville40 mi
- Nixa40 mi
- Lebanon41 mi
- Mount Vernon42 mi
- Ozark43 mi
- Warsaw43 mi
- Camdenton45 mi
- Aurora48 mi
- Seymour48 mi
- Lamar48 mi
- Riverview49 mi
More: all TV stations in Missouri · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Bolivar; signal estimates ignore terrain.