TV channels & antenna towers in Lancaster, Missouri
Lancaster has 7 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 3 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KTVO (ABC), 4.6 miles to the E.
Network channels in Lancaster
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKTVOABC | 3 | 4.6 mi | 82° E | Strong | Kirksville, MO |
| CWKYOU-TVCW | 15.4 | 55 mi | 33° NNE | Good | Ottumwa, IA |
Over-the-air TV in Lancaster
Lancaster is a small community of about 724 people in Missouri. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 7 licensed TV transmitters: 2 full-power and 5 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 3 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
2 of them are within 25 miles of Lancaster, 2 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 3 are more than 45 miles out.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 3 (KTVO) and CW on channel 15.4 (KYOU-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KCCI in Des Moines, IA, 106 miles to the northwest. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WHO-DT in Des Moines, IA, 105 miles to the northwest.
Which way to point your antenna in Lancaster
Point your antenna E, at about 82°. The main network towers for Lancaster sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Lancaster, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Lancaster
The farthest main network tower for Lancaster is KTVO (ABC), 4.6 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.
KTVO is only 4.6 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 Lancaster
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 | 20 mi | 182° S | Fair | Kirksville, MO |
| K18GU-DTranslator | 32 mi | 15° NNE | Weak | Ottumwa, IA |
| K24IM-DTranslator | 34 mi | 66° ENE | Weak | Keosauqua, IA |
| K28JD-DTranslator | 58 mi | 82° E | Poor | Fort Madison, IA |
| K18NZ-DTranslator | 60 mi | 97° E | Poor | Keokuk, IA |
How Lancaster compares with the rest of Missouri
With 3 stations at fair strength or better, Lancaster ranks 362nd of 398 places in Missouri: fewer than the typical Missouri town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 4.6 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 Ottumwa, 35 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Lancaster: step by step
- Place the antenna high on a window or wall that faces the towers. Upstairs is better than downstairs.
- Point it toward 82° E, the direction of KTVO (ABC), 4.6 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 3 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 Lancaster, MO?
ABC is on channel 3 from KTVO, broadcasting from 4.6 miles E of Lancaster. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is CW in Lancaster, MO?
CW is on channel 15.4 from KYOU-TV, broadcasting from 55 miles NNE of Lancaster. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Lancaster?
7 transmitters within 70 miles of Lancaster; around 3 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 Lancaster?
Point your antenna E, at about 82°. The main network towers for Lancaster sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Lancaster?
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 Lancaster?
KTVO is only 4.6 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 Lancaster?
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
- Memphis19 mi
- Kirksville23 mi
- Unionville25 mi
- Edina31 mi
- La Plata34 mi
- Terre Haute38 mi
- Milan38 mi
- Kahoka43 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Bloomfield, IA17 mi
- Centerville, IA23 mi
- Keosauqua, IA33 mi
- Ottumwa, IA35 mi
- Albia, IA38 mi
- Eddyville, IA44 mi
- Corydon, IA45 mi
- Fairfield, IA45 mi
- Maharishi Vedic City, IA46 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 Lancaster; signal estimates ignore terrain.