TV channels & antenna towers in Trenton, Nebraska
Trenton has 27 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS and NBC. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K21OI-D, 8.8 miles to the NE.
Network channels in Trenton
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKWNB-LDABC | 6 | 19 mi | 82° E | Fair | McCook, NE |
| NBCKSNKNBC | 8 | 29 mi | 145° SE | Fair | McCook, NE |
| ABCKWNB-TVABC | 6 | 31 mi | 358° N | Fair | Hayes Center, NE |
| CBSKBSL-DTCBS | 10 | 57 mi | 211° SSW | Weak | Goodland, KS |
| ABCKLBYABC | 4 | 66 mi | 196° SSW | Poor | Colby, KS |
Over-the-air TV in Trenton
Trenton, Nebraska has a population of about 561. Our map shows 27 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 6 full-power, 2 low-power and 19 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 3 transmitters are within 25 miles, 4 between 25 and 45 miles, and 20 farther out. Two of the 5 network stations in range are licensed to McCook, so most of the network channels you will find here come from McCook's stations.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 6 (KWNB-LD), CBS on channel 10 (KBSL-DT) and NBC on channel 8 (KSNK). No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KNOP-TV in North Platte, NE, 73 miles to the north. 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 Trenton
The main network towers around Trenton are in different directions: ABC 358° N (31 mi) and NBC 145° SE (29 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Trenton, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Trenton
The farthest main network tower for Trenton is KWNB-TV (ABC), 31 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here.
KBSL-DT (CBS), 57 miles southwest, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Trenton
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K21OI-DTranslator | 8.8 mi | 47° NE | Good | McCook/Culbertson, NE |
| K33FO-DTranslator | 21 mi | 251° WSW | Fair | Benkelman, NE |
| K20IJ-DTranslator | 25 mi | 312° NW | Poor | Wauneta, NE |
| K30FV-DLow power | 40 mi | 70° ENE | Poor | Cambridge, NE |
| KPNE-TVFull power | 59 mi | 353° N | Fair | North Platte, NE |
| K33FF-DTranslator | 62 mi | 351° N | Poor | Wallace, Etc., NE |
| K30GO-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K16ET-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K14KL-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K20GK-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K18GM-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K24FU-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K26GX-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K28IX-DTranslator | 62 mi | 292° WNW | Poor | Pleasant Valley, CO |
| K17OA-DTranslator | 65 mi | 263° W | Poor | Wray, CO |
| K14SA-DTranslator | 65 mi | 263° W | Poor | Wray, CO |
| K18NB-DTranslator | 65 mi | 263° W | Poor | Wray, CO |
| K19ML-DTranslator | 65 mi | 263° W | Poor | Wray, CO |
| K31IH-DTranslator | 65 mi | 263° W | Poor | Wray, CO |
| K15MD-DTranslator | 65 mi | 263° W | Poor | Wray, CO |
| K16NH-DTranslator | 65 mi | 263° W | Poor | Wray, CO |
| KWKSFull power | 67 mi | 196° SSW | Fair | Colby, KS |
How Trenton compares with the rest of Nebraska
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Trenton ranks 59th of 145 places in Nebraska: more than the typical Nebraska town (6). Its nearest major network tower is 19 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 Trenton: 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 358° N, the direction of KWNB-TV (ABC), 31 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 Trenton, NE?
ABC is on channel 6 from KWNB-LD, broadcasting from 19 miles E of Trenton. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Trenton, NE?
CBS is on channel 10 from KBSL-DT, broadcasting from 57 miles SSW of Trenton. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is NBC in Trenton, NE?
NBC is on channel 8 from KSNK, broadcasting from 29 miles SE of Trenton. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Trenton?
27 transmitters within 70 miles of Trenton; around 7 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 Trenton?
The main network towers around Trenton are in different directions: ABC 358° N (31 mi) and NBC 145° SE (29 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Trenton?
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. The towers are spread over about 147° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help. Picking up CBS from up to 57 miles away would take an outdoor antenna.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Trenton?
KBSL-DT (CBS), 57 miles southwest, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Trenton?
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 Nebraska · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Trenton; signal estimates ignore terrain.