TV channels & antenna towers in La Plata, Missouri
La Plata has 13 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K30MG-D, 15 miles to the N.
Network channels in La Plata
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKTVOABC | 3 | 35 mi | 4° N | Good | Kirksville, MO |
| ABCKHQA-TVABC | 7.2 | 61 mi | 93° E | Fair | Hannibal, MO |
| CWWGEM-TVCW | 10.2 | 61 mi | 93° E | Fair | Quincy, IL |
Over-the-air TV in La Plata
La Plata, Missouri has a population of about 1,340. There are 13 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 5 full-power, 3 low-power and 5 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
1 of them is within 25 miles of La Plata, 1 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 11 are more than 45 miles out.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 3 (KTVO) 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, 94 miles to the south. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KSHB-TV in Kansas City, MO, 131 miles to the southwest. 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 La Plata
Point your antenna N, at about 4°. The main network towers for La Plata 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 61 miles east of La Plata (93° E). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach La Plata at fair strength or better, 67% arrive from the east; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from La Plata, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for La Plata
The farthest main network tower for La Plata is KTVO (ABC), 35 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
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 La Plata
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K30MG-DTranslator | 15 mi | 349° N | Fair | Kirksville, MO |
| K24IM-DTranslator | 56 mi | 31° NNE | Poor | Keosauqua, IA |
| WTJRFull power | 62 mi | 93° E | Fair | Quincy, IL |
| W27DF-DLow power | 62 mi | 93° E | Poor | Quincy, IL |
| K14SU-DLow power | 62 mi | 93° E | Poor | Keokuk, IA |
| W17EH-DLow power | 62 mi | 93° E | Poor | Quincy, IL |
| WQECFull power | 63 mi | 92° E | Poor | Quincy, IL |
| K18NZ-DTranslator | 63 mi | 65° ENE | Poor | Keokuk, IA |
| K18GU-DTranslator | 65 mi | 6° N | Poor | Ottumwa, IA |
| K28JD-DTranslator | 70 mi | 53° NE | Poor | Fort Madison, IA |
How La Plata compares with the rest of Missouri
With 5 stations at fair strength or better, La Plata ranks 330th of 398 places in Missouri: fewer than the typical Missouri town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 35 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.
Setting up an antenna in La Plata: 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 4° N, the direction of KTVO (ABC), 35 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 5 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 La Plata, MO?
ABC is on channel 3 from KTVO, broadcasting from 35 miles N of La Plata. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in La Plata, MO?
CW is on channel 10.2 from WGEM-TV, broadcasting from 61 miles E of La Plata. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in La Plata?
13 transmitters within 70 miles of La Plata; around 5 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 La Plata?
Point your antenna N, at about 4°. The main network towers for La Plata sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in La Plata?
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 La Plata?
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 La Plata?
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
- Kirksville13 mi
- Macon19 mi
- Edina20 mi
- Shelbyville28 mi
- Marceline32 mi
- Shelbina33 mi
- Lancaster34 mi
- Memphis34 mi
- Brookfield35 mi
- Milan36 mi
- Linneus38 mi
- Huntsville40 mi
- Unionville41 mi
- Monticello42 mi
- Moberly42 mi
- Salisbury45 mi
- Paris46 mi
- Keytesville47 mi
- Monroe City48 mi
- Terre Haute49 mi
- Kahoka49 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 La Plata; signal estimates ignore terrain.