TV channels & antenna towers in Nelson, Nebraska
Nelson has 11 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC and CW. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KNHL (CW), 35 miles to the NNW.
Network channels in Nelson
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKNHLCW | 5 | 35 mi | 332° NNW | Fair | Hastings, NE |
| NBCKGINNBC | 11.2 | 47 mi | 305° NW | Fair | Grand Island, NE |
| ABCKHGI-TVABC | 27 | 53 mi | 307° NW | Good | Kearney, NE |
| ABCKLKNABC | 8 | 62 mi | 40° NE | Fair | Lincoln, NE |
| CBSKOLNCBS | 10 | 62 mi | 48° NE | Fair | Lincoln, NE |
| NBCKSNB-TVNBC | 4 | 62 mi | 48° NE | Fair | York, NE |
Over-the-air TV in Nelson
Nelson is a small community of about 466 people in Nebraska. There are 11 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 7 full-power, 3 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 3 between 25 and 45 miles, and 8 farther out. Two of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Lincoln, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Lincoln's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 27 (KHGI-TV), CBS on channel 10 (KOLN), NBC on channel 4 (KSNB-TV) and CW on channel 5 (KNHL). No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KAAS-TV in Salina, KS, 84 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 Nelson
The main network towers around Nelson are in different directions: ABC 307° NW (53 mi), CBS 48° NE (62 mi) and NBC 48° NE (62 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
Two network stations, KOLN and KSNB-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 62 miles northeast of Nelson (48° NE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Nelson at fair strength or better, 50% arrive from the northwest; the rest are spread across one other direction.
KOLN (CBS) and KSNB-TV (NBC) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Nelson. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Nelson
The farthest main network tower for Nelson is KSNB-TV (NBC), 62 miles away with a fair 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 Nelson
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KHNE-TVFull power | 39 mi | 358° N | Good | Hastings, NE |
| KIUA-LDLow power | 43 mi | 4° N | Poor | Lincoln, NE |
| KMLF-LDLow power | 52 mi | 344° NNW | Poor | Grand Island, NE |
| K23AA-DTranslator | 61 mi | 89° E | Poor | Beatrice, NE |
| KWBE-LDLow power | 68 mi | 86° E | Poor | Beatrice, NE |
How Nelson compares with the rest of Nebraska
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Nelson ranks 59th of 145 places in Nebraska: more than the typical Nebraska town (6). Its nearest major network tower is 35 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 Hastings, 31 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Nelson: 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 48° NE, the direction of KSNB-TV (NBC), 62 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 7 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 Nelson, NE?
ABC is on channel 27 from KHGI-TV, broadcasting from 53 miles NW of Nelson. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Nelson, NE?
CBS is on channel 10 from KOLN, broadcasting from 62 miles NE of Nelson. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Nelson, NE?
NBC is on channel 4 from KSNB-TV, broadcasting from 62 miles NE of Nelson. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Nelson, NE?
CW is on channel 5 from KNHL, broadcasting from 35 miles NNW of Nelson. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Nelson?
11 transmitters within 70 miles of Nelson; around 7 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 Nelson?
The main network towers around Nelson are in different directions: ABC 307° NW (53 mi), CBS 48° NE (62 mi) and NBC 48° NE (62 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Nelson?
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. The towers are spread over about 101° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Nelson?
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 Nelson?
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
- Superior12 mi
- Clay Center22 mi
- Red Cloud25 mi
- Hebron26 mi
- Sutton30 mi
- Hastings31 mi
- Geneva34 mi
- Aurora46 mi
- Fairbury47 mi
- Franklin47 mi
Nearby cities in other states
More: all TV stations in Nebraska · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Nelson; signal estimates ignore terrain.