TV channels & antenna towers in Wood River, Nebraska
Wood River has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, NBC and CW. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KMLF-LD, 15 miles to the ENE.
Network channels in Wood River
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKNHLCW | 5 | 16 mi | 136° SE | Good | Hastings, NE |
| ABCKHGI-TVABC | 27 | 18 mi | 231° SW | Strong | Kearney, NE |
| NBCKGINNBC | 11.2 | 19 mi | 213° SSW | Fair | Grand Island, NE |
| ABCKLKNABC | 8 | 68 mi | 86° E | Weak | Lincoln, NE |
Over-the-air TV in Wood River
Wood River, Nebraska has a population of about 1,370. There are 10 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 6 full-power, 3 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 4 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 4 transmitters are within 25 miles, 2 between 25 and 45 miles, and 4 farther out.
For the networks, the best local options 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, 74 miles to the east. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KFXL-TV in Lincoln, NE, 104 miles to the east. 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 Wood River
Point your antenna SW, at about 222°. The main network towers for Wood River 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 Wood River at fair strength or better, 67% arrive from the southwest; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Wood River, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Wood River
The farthest main network tower for Wood River is KGIN (NBC), 19 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.
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 Wood River
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KMLF-LDLow power | 15 mi | 62° ENE | Fair | Grand Island, NE |
| KHNE-TVFull power | 27 mi | 97° E | Good | Hastings, NE |
| KIUA-LDLow power | 31 mi | 89° E | Weak | Lincoln, NE |
| KLNE-TVFull power | 54 mi | 237° WSW | Good | Lexington, NE |
| K24HG-DLow power | 59 mi | 258° WSW | Poor | Cozad, NE |
| K31OC-DTranslator | 67 mi | 307° NW | Poor | Broken Bow, NE |
How Wood River compares with the rest of Nebraska
With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Wood River ranks 67th of 145 places in Nebraska: the same as the typical Nebraska town (6). Its nearest major network tower is 16 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. The nearest larger city is Grand Island, 15 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Wood River: 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 213° SSW, the direction of KGIN (NBC), 19 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 Wood River, NE?
ABC is on channel 27 from KHGI-TV, broadcasting from 18 miles SW of Wood River. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is NBC in Wood River, NE?
NBC is on channel 11.2 from KGIN, broadcasting from 19 miles SSW of Wood River. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Wood River, NE?
CW is on channel 5 from KNHL, broadcasting from 16 miles SE of Wood River. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Wood River?
10 transmitters within 70 miles of Wood River; around 6 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 Wood River?
Point your antenna SW, at about 222°. The main network towers for Wood River sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Wood River?
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 Wood River?
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.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Wood River?
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
- Shelton7.4 mi
- Gibbon14 mi
- Grand Island15 mi
- Hastings20 mi
- Ravenna22 mi
- Kearney27 mi
- Saint Paul28 mi
- Minden29 mi
- Aurora31 mi
- Clay Center35 mi
- Loup City37 mi
- Central City37 mi
- Sutton42 mi
- Holdrege48 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 Wood River; signal estimates ignore terrain.