TV channels & antenna towers in Rolla, Missouri
Rolla has 9 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KRMS-LD, 48 miles to the WNW.
Network channels in Rolla
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSKRCGCBS | 13 | 54 mi | 341° NNW | Good | Jefferson City, MO |
Over-the-air TV in Rolla
Rolla is a city of about 20,000 people in Missouri. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 9 licensed TV transmitters: 2 full-power and 7 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Rolla, 0 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 9 are more than 45 miles out.
For the networks, the best local options are CBS on channel 13 (KRCG). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KMIZ in Columbia, MO, 71 miles to the northwest. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KYTV in Springfield, MO, 84 miles to the southwest. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Rolla
Point your antenna NNW, at about 341°. The main network towers for Rolla sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
KRCG (CBS) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Rolla. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Rolla
The farthest main network tower for Rolla is KRCG (CBS), 54 miles away with a good 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 Rolla
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRMS-LDLow power | 48 mi | 288° WNW | Poor | Lake Ozark, MO |
| K33MN-DLow power | 53 mi | 339° NNW | Poor | Jefferson City, MO |
| K21PD-DLow power | 53 mi | 339° NNW | Poor | Columbia, MO |
| KNLJFull power | 55 mi | 342° NNW | Good | Jefferson City, MO |
| K25QT-DLow power | 65 mi | 334° NNW | Poor | Columbia, MO |
| K36LJ-DLow power | 65 mi | 334° NNW | Poor | Columbia, MO |
| K35OY-DLow power | 65 mi | 335° NNW | Poor | Columbia, MO |
| KDKZ-LDLow power | 67 mi | 73° ENE | Poor | Farmington, MO |
How Rolla compares with the rest of Missouri
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Rolla ranks 370th of 398 places in Missouri: fewer than the typical Missouri town (12). Its nearest major network tower is 54 miles away, against a state median of 23 miles.
34% of Missouri's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Jefferson City, 48 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Rolla: 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 341° NNW, the direction of KRCG (CBS), 54 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 2 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 Rolla, MO?
CBS is on channel 13 from KRCG, broadcasting from 54 miles NNW of Rolla. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Rolla?
9 transmitters within 70 miles of Rolla; around 2 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 Rolla?
Point your antenna NNW, at about 341°. The main network towers for Rolla sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Rolla?
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 Rolla?
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.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Rolla?
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
- Saint James9.1 mi
- Dixon18 mi
- Vienna19 mi
- Cuba21 mi
- Steelville23 mi
- Belle23 mi
- Saint Robert24 mi
- Salem25 mi
- Waynesville25 mi
- Crocker27 mi
- Fort Leonard Wood27 mi
- Owensville31 mi
- Licking32 mi
- Bourbon32 mi
- Richland35 mi
- Linn37 mi
- Sullivan38 mi
- Gerald39 mi
- Taos42 mi
- Tuscumbia42 mi
- Wardsville43 mi
- Houston44 mi
- Jefferson City48 mi
- Osage Beach50 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 Rolla; signal estimates ignore terrain.