TV channels & antenna towers in Madison, Nebraska
Madison has 15 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K23PU-D, 15 miles to the NNE.
Network channels in Madison
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKLKNABC | 8 | 66 mi | 173° S | Weak | Lincoln, NE |
Over-the-air TV in Madison
With roughly 2,370 residents, Madison is a small community in Nebraska. Our map shows 15 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 2 full-power, 5 low-power and 8 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 4 transmitters are within 25 miles, 4 between 25 and 45 miles, and 7 farther out.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 8 (KLKN). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KOLN in Lincoln, NE, 72 miles to the south. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KSNB-TV in York, NE, 72 miles to the south. 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 Madison
Point your antenna S, at about 173°. The main network towers for Madison sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
KLKN (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Madison. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Madison
The farthest main network tower for Madison is KLKN (ABC), 66 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
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 Madison
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K23PU-DTranslator | 15 mi | 20° NNE | Fair | Norfolk, NE |
| KPTP-LDLow power | 15 mi | 20° NNE | Fair | Norfolk, NE |
| K24JG-DTranslator | 15 mi | 18° NNE | Fair | Norfolk, NE |
| KNEN-LDLow power | 15 mi | 23° NNE | Fair | Norfolk, NE |
| KMJF-LDLow power | 28 mi | 158° SSE | Fair | Columbus, NE |
| KXNE-TVFull power | 30 mi | 18° NNE | Good | Norfolk, NE |
| K33OW-DTranslator | 33 mi | 297° WNW | Weak | Neligh, NE |
| K27NI-DTranslator | 33 mi | 297° WNW | Poor | Neligh, NE |
| K10JW-DTranslator | 61 mi | 331° NNW | Poor | Verdigre, NE |
| K36QD-DTranslator | 62 mi | 120° ESE | Poor | Omaha, NE |
| K34IB-DTranslator | 63 mi | 78° ENE | Poor | Decatur, NE |
| KBWF-LDLow power | 69 mi | 50° NE | Poor | Sioux City, IA |
| K16NY-DLow power | 69 mi | 50° NE | Poor | Sioux City, IA |
| K14MI-DTranslator | 70 mi | 335° NNW | Poor | Niobrara, NE |
How Madison compares with the rest of Nebraska
With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Madison ranks 67th of 145 places in Nebraska: the same as the typical Nebraska town (6). Its nearest major network tower is 66 miles away, against a state median of 27 miles.
48% of Nebraska's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Norfolk, 14 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Madison: 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 173° S, the direction of KLKN (ABC), 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 6 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 Madison, NE?
ABC is on channel 8 from KLKN, broadcasting from 66 miles S of Madison. Estimated signal: weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Madison?
15 transmitters within 70 miles of Madison; around 6 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 Madison?
Point your antenna S, at about 173°. The main network towers for Madison sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Madison?
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 Madison?
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 Madison?
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
- Battle Creek14 mi
- Norfolk14 mi
- Stanton15 mi
- Pierce26 mi
- Columbus28 mi
- Albion30 mi
- Wisner30 mi
- Schuyler33 mi
- Wayne36 mi
- Neligh36 mi
- West Point38 mi
- Plainview40 mi
- Fullerton42 mi
- Wakefield43 mi
- North Bend43 mi
- David City43 mi
- Pender43 mi
- Osceola45 mi
More: all TV stations in Nebraska · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Madison; signal estimates ignore terrain.