TV channels & antenna towers in Billings, Montana
Billings has 33 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, NBC, Fox and CW. About 11 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KTVQ (CBS), 2.3 miles to the ESE.
Network channels in Billings
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSKTVQCBS | 2 | 2.3 mi | 119° ESE | Strong | Billings, MT |
| NBCKULR-TVNBC | 8 | 2.7 mi | 126° SE | Strong | Billings, MT |
| CWKSVICW | 6.2 | 7.9 mi | 78° ENE | Strong | Billings, MT |
| FOXKHMTFox | 4 | 18 mi | 100° E | Strong | Hardin, MT |
Over-the-air TV in Billings
Billings, Montana has a population of about 110,000. Our map shows 33 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 5 full-power, 9 low-power and 19 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 11 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 9 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 11 transmitters are within 25 miles, 8 between 25 and 45 miles, and 14 farther out. Billings is a broadcast hub in its own right: three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed here.
The best-placed network stations are CBS on channel 2 (KTVQ), NBC on channel 8 (KULR-TV), Fox on channel 4 (KHMT) and CW on channel 6.2 (KSVI). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KSGW-TV in Sheridan, WY, 105 miles to the southeast. 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 Billings
Point your antenna ESE, at about 115°. The main network towers for Billings sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KTVQ and KULR-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 2.3 miles southeast of Billings (119° ESE). That one direction covers every station on the site.
Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Billings at fair strength or better, 50% 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 Billings, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Billings
The farthest main network tower for Billings is KHMT (Fox), 18 miles away with a strong estimated signal. That is why we suggest an indoor antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
KTVQ is only 2.3 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 Billings
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 29; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K17PC-DTranslator | 2.3 mi | 119° ESE | Strong | Billings, MT |
| KBGS-TVFull power | 2.3 mi | 119° ESE | Strong | Billings, MT |
| K14IS-DLow power | 2.4 mi | 120° ESE | Strong | Billings, MT |
| K31NN-DLow power | 2.5 mi | 123° ESE | Good | Billings, MT |
| K19LB-DLow power | 2.5 mi | 123° ESE | Good | Billings, MT |
| K25BP-DTranslator | 7.9 mi | 78° ENE | Fair | Billings, MT |
| K27IM-DTranslator | 7.9 mi | 78° ENE | Fair | Billings, MT |
| K24FL-DTranslator | 38 mi | 254° WSW | Poor | Columbus, MT |
| K26GL-DTranslator | 38 mi | 254° WSW | Poor | Columbus, MT |
| K33EA-DTranslator | 40 mi | 256° WSW | Poor | Columbus, MT |
| K28LG-DTranslator | 40 mi | 212° SSW | Poor | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K31LE-DLow power | 40 mi | 212° SSW | Poor | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K35JW-DLow power | 40 mi | 212° SSW | Poor | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K26NN-DLow power | 40 mi | 212° SSW | Poor | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K33LG-DTranslator | 40 mi | 212° SSW | Poor | Bridger, Etc, MT |
| K24GD-DLow power | 47 mi | 93° E | Poor | Hardin, MT |
| K16DZ-DTranslator | 47 mi | 93° E | Poor | Hardin, MT |
| KQHD-LDLow power | 47 mi | 93° E | Poor | Hardin, MT |
| K34QX-DTranslator | 47 mi | 356° N | Poor | Roundup, MT |
| K31PY-DTranslator | 47 mi | 356° N | Poor | Roundup, MT |
| K35PL-DTranslator | 47 mi | 356° N | Poor | Roundup, MT |
| K07WP-DTranslator | 47 mi | 356° N | Poor | Roundup, MT |
| K15LB-DTranslator | 59 mi | 220° SW | Poor | Red Lodge, MT |
| K08OW-DTranslator | 65 mi | 60° ENE | Poor | Hysham, MT |
| K13PO-DTranslator | 65 mi | 60° ENE | Poor | Hysham, MT |
How Billings compares with the rest of Montana
With 11 stations at fair strength or better, Billings ranks 5th of 104 places in Montana: more than the typical Montana town (5). Its nearest major network tower is 2.3 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
19% of Montana's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an indoor antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Billings: step by step
- Place the antenna high on a window or wall that faces the towers. Upstairs is better than downstairs.
- Point it toward 100° E, the direction of KHMT (Fox), 18 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 11 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 Billings, MT?
CBS is on channel 2 from KTVQ, broadcasting from 2.3 miles ESE of Billings. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is NBC in Billings, MT?
NBC is on channel 8 from KULR-TV, broadcasting from 2.7 miles SE of Billings. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is Fox in Billings, MT?
Fox is on channel 4 from KHMT, broadcasting from 18 miles E of Billings. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is CW in Billings, MT?
CW is on channel 6.2 from KSVI, broadcasting from 7.9 miles ENE of Billings. Estimated signal: strong.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Billings?
33 transmitters within 70 miles of Billings; around 11 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 Billings?
Point your antenna ESE, at about 115°. The main network towers for Billings sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Billings?
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 Billings?
KTVQ is only 2.3 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 Billings?
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 Montana cities
More: all TV stations in Montana · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Billings; signal estimates ignore terrain.