TV channels & antenna towers in Red Lodge, Montana
Red Lodge has 36 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, NBC, Fox and CW. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K15LB-D, 4.6 miles to the SSW.
Network channels in Red Lodge
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKULR-TVNBC | 8 | 55 mi | 44° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
| CBSKTVQCBS | 2 | 55 mi | 43° NE | Fair | Billings, MT |
| CWKSVICW | 6.2 | 61 mi | 45° NE | Weak | Billings, MT |
| FOXKHMTFox | 4 | 66 mi | 54° NE | Weak | Hardin, MT |
Over-the-air TV in Red Lodge
With roughly 2,220 residents, Red Lodge is a small community in Montana. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 36 licensed TV transmitters: 5 full-power, 6 low-power and 25 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 7 transmitters are within 25 miles, 5 between 25 and 45 miles, and 24 farther out. Three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed to Billings, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Billings's stations.
The strongest network signals here 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, 111 miles to the east. 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 Red Lodge
Point your antenna NE, at about 47°. The main network towers for Red Lodge sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KULR-TV and KTVQ, transmit from the same tower site about 55 miles northeast of Red Lodge (44° NE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
KTVQ (CBS), KULR-TV (NBC) and KHMT (Fox) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Red Lodge. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Red Lodge
The farthest main network tower for Red Lodge is KHMT (Fox), 66 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
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 Red Lodge
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 32; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K15LB-DTranslator | 4.6 mi | 195° SSW | Weak | Red Lodge, MT |
| K28LG-DTranslator | 17 mi | 65° ENE | Weak | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K31LE-DLow power | 17 mi | 65° ENE | Weak | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K35JW-DLow power | 17 mi | 65° ENE | Weak | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K26NN-DLow power | 17 mi | 65° ENE | Weak | Bridger, Etc., MT |
| K33LG-DTranslator | 17 mi | 65° ENE | Weak | Bridger, Etc, MT |
| K23IX-DTranslator | 18 mi | 160° SSE | Weak | Clark, Etc., WY |
| K02LH-DTranslator | 28 mi | 224° SW | Poor | Clarks Fork, WY |
| K24FL-DTranslator | 30 mi | 359° N | Weak | Columbus, MT |
| K26GL-DTranslator | 30 mi | 359° N | Weak | Columbus, MT |
| K29IG-DTranslator | 30 mi | 192° SSW | Poor | Sunlight Basin, WY |
| K33EA-DTranslator | 32 mi | 355° N | Weak | Columbus, MT |
| K14RF-DTranslator | 46 mi | 155° SSE | Poor | Cody, WY |
| K19LM-DTranslator | 46 mi | 155° SSE | Poor | Cody, Powell, WY |
| K30OU-DTranslator | 46 mi | 155° SSE | Poor | Cody, Etc, WY |
| K25OV-DTranslator | 46 mi | 155° SSE | Poor | Cody, WY |
| K32IF-DTranslator | 48 mi | 175° S | Poor | North Fork, Etc., WY |
| K20LT-DTranslator | 48 mi | 175° S | Poor | Diamond Basin, Etc., WY |
| K31NN-DLow power | 55 mi | 44° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
| K19LB-DLow power | 55 mi | 44° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
| K14IS-DLow power | 55 mi | 43° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
| K17PC-DTranslator | 55 mi | 43° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
| KBGS-TVFull power | 55 mi | 43° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
| K25BP-DTranslator | 61 mi | 45° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
| K27IM-DTranslator | 61 mi | 45° NE | Poor | Billings, MT |
How Red Lodge compares with the rest of Montana
With 1 station at fair strength or better, Red Lodge ranks 80th of 104 places in Montana: fewer than the typical Montana town (5). Its nearest major network tower is 55 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
49% of Montana's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Red Lodge: 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 54° NE, the direction of KHMT (Fox), 66 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 1 station, 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 Red Lodge, MT?
CBS is on channel 2 from KTVQ, broadcasting from 55 miles NE of Red Lodge. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Red Lodge, MT?
NBC is on channel 8 from KULR-TV, broadcasting from 55 miles NE of Red Lodge. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is Fox in Red Lodge, MT?
Fox is on channel 4 from KHMT, broadcasting from 66 miles NE of Red Lodge. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CW in Red Lodge, MT?
CW is on channel 6.2 from KSVI, broadcasting from 61 miles NE of Red Lodge. Estimated signal: weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Red Lodge?
36 transmitters within 70 miles of Red Lodge; around 1 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 Red Lodge?
Point your antenna NE, at about 47°. The main network towers for Red Lodge sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Red Lodge?
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 Red Lodge?
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 Red Lodge?
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.
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More: all TV stations in Montana · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Red Lodge; signal estimates ignore terrain.