TV channels & antenna towers in Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney has 11 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, NBC and CW. About 5 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KHGI-TV (ABC), 12 miles to the ESE.

Open Kearney in the live finder

11TV transmitters within 70 miles

3networks over the air

12 mito the closest tower

33,021population

Network channels in Kearney

Station	Channel	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
ABCKHGI-TVABC	27	12 mi	104° ESE	Strong	Kearney, NE
NBCKGINNBC	11.2	17 mi	118° ESE	Fair	Grand Island, NE
CWKNHLCW	5	37 mi	95° E	Fair	Hastings, NE

Over-the-air TV in Kearney

Kearney, Nebraska has a population of about 33,000. There are 11 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 5 full-power, 5 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 5 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 2 transmitters are within 25 miles, 4 between 25 and 45 miles, and 5 farther out.

The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 27 (KHGI-TV), NBC on channel 11.2 (KGIN) and CW on channel 5 (KNHL). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KOLN in Lincoln, NE, 100 miles to the east. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KNOP-TV in North Platte, NE, 93 miles to the northwest. 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 Kearney

Point your antenna ESE, at about 111°. The main network towers for Kearney sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Kearney 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 Kearney, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Kearney

The farthest main network tower for Kearney is KGIN (NBC), 17 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.

KHGI-TV is only 12 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 Kearney

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

Station	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
KLNE-TVFull power	29 mi	222° SW	Good	Lexington, NE
K24HG-DLow power	33 mi	262° W	Poor	Cozad, NE
KMLF-LDLow power	42 mi	68° ENE	Poor	Grand Island, NE
KHNE-TVFull power	52 mi	84° E	Good	Hastings, NE
K31OC-DTranslator	56 mi	329° NNW	Poor	Broken Bow, NE
KIUA-LDLow power	57 mi	81° E	Poor	Lincoln, NE
K28GC-DLow power	61 mi	289° WNW	Poor	Gothenburg, NE
K30FV-DLow power	68 mi	251° WSW	Poor	Cambridge, NE

How Kearney compares with the rest of Nebraska

With 5 stations at fair strength or better, Kearney ranks 76th of 145 places in Nebraska: fewer than the typical Nebraska town (6). Its nearest major network tower is 12 miles away, against a state median of 27 miles.

40% of Nebraska's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna.

Setting up an antenna in Kearney: 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 118° ESE, the direction of KGIN (NBC), 17 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 Kearney, NE?

ABC is on channel 27 from KHGI-TV, broadcasting from 12 miles ESE of Kearney. Estimated signal: strong.

What channel is NBC in Kearney, NE?

NBC is on channel 11.2 from KGIN, broadcasting from 17 miles ESE of Kearney. Estimated signal: fair.

What channel is CW in Kearney, NE?

CW is on channel 5 from KNHL, broadcasting from 37 miles E of Kearney. Estimated signal: fair.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Kearney?

11 transmitters within 70 miles of Kearney; 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 Kearney?

Point your antenna ESE, at about 111°. The main network towers for Kearney sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in Kearney?

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 Kearney?

KHGI-TV is only 12 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 Kearney?

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 Nebraska cities

More: all TV stations in Nebraska · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Kearney; signal estimates ignore terrain.