TV channels & antenna towers in Canton, Missouri
Canton has 14 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 9 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KHQA-TV (ABC), 15 miles to the SE.
Network channels in Canton
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKHQA-TVABC | 7.2 | 15 mi | 138° SE | Strong | Hannibal, MO |
| CWWGEM-TVCW | 10.2 | 15 mi | 138° SE | Strong | Quincy, IL |
| ABCKTVOABC | 3 | 56 mi | 300° WNW | Fair | Kirksville, MO |
Over-the-air TV in Canton
Canton, Missouri has a population of about 2,380. There are 14 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 6 full-power, 4 low-power and 4 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 9 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 4 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 8 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 5 farther out.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 7.2 (KHQA-TV) and CW on channel 10.2 (WGEM-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KRCG in Jefferson City, MO, 104 miles to the south. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KWQC-TV in Davenport, IA, 112 miles to the northeast. 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 Canton
Point your antenna SE, at about 138°. The main network towers for Canton sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KHQA-TV and WGEM-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 15 miles southeast of Canton (138° SE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Canton at fair strength or better, 67% arrive from the southeast; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Canton, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Canton
The farthest main network tower for Canton is KHQA-TV (ABC), 15 miles away with a strong estimated signal. That is why we suggest an indoor antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
KHQA-TV is only 15 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Other stations near Canton
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTJRFull power | 15 mi | 137° SE | Strong | Quincy, IL |
| W27DF-DLow power | 15 mi | 137° SE | Fair | Quincy, IL |
| K14SU-DLow power | 15 mi | 137° SE | Fair | Keokuk, IA |
| W17EH-DLow power | 15 mi | 137° SE | Fair | Quincy, IL |
| WQECFull power | 15 mi | 133° SE | Good | Quincy, IL |
| K18NZ-DTranslator | 20 mi | 17° NNE | Fair | Keokuk, IA |
| K28JD-DTranslator | 35 mi | 7° N | Weak | Fort Madison, IA |
| WMECFull power | 45 mi | 66° ENE | Weak | Macomb, IL |
| K24IM-DTranslator | 46 mi | 332° NNW | Poor | Keosauqua, IA |
| K30MG-DTranslator | 55 mi | 278° W | Poor | Kirksville, MO |
| WVDM-LDLow power | 65 mi | 156° SSE | Poor | Quincy, IL |
How Canton compares with the rest of Missouri
With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Canton ranks 252nd of 398 places in Missouri: fewer than the typical Missouri town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 15 miles away, against a state median of 23 miles.
36% of Missouri's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an indoor antenna. The nearest larger city is Quincy, 15 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Canton: step by step
- Place the antenna high on a window or wall that faces the towers. Upstairs is better than downstairs.
- Point it toward 138° SE, the direction of KHQA-TV (ABC), 15 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 9 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 Canton, MO?
ABC is on channel 7.2 from KHQA-TV, broadcasting from 15 miles SE of Canton. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is CW in Canton, MO?
CW is on channel 10.2 from WGEM-TV, broadcasting from 15 miles SE of Canton. Estimated signal: strong.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Canton?
14 transmitters within 70 miles of Canton; around 9 of them are likely to be receivable with indoor 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 Canton?
Point your antenna SE, at about 138°. The main network towers for Canton sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Canton?
Indoor antenna (up to ~25 miles). The main towers are close. A flat indoor antenna near a window facing the towers should pull in the major networks.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Canton?
KHQA-TV is only 15 miles away with a strong signal. Signals that strong can overload an amplifier, so start without one and add it only if distant channels are missing. Read when an amplifier helps.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Canton?
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
- Monticello10 mi
- Kahoka23 mi
- Palmyra23 mi
- Hannibal30 mi
- Edina35 mi
- Monroe City35 mi
- Shelbyville36 mi
- New London38 mi
- Shelbina41 mi
- Memphis41 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Quincy, IL15 mi
- Warsaw, IL16 mi
- Keokuk, IA20 mi
- Hamilton, IL21 mi
- Camp Point, IL25 mi
- Payson, IL26 mi
- Carthage, IL28 mi
- Nauvoo, IL30 mi
- Fort Madison, IA36 mi
- Barry, IL39 mi
- Mount Sterling, IL41 mi
- La Harpe, IL43 mi
- Colchester, IL43 mi
- Keosauqua, IA48 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 Canton; signal estimates ignore terrain.