TV channels & antenna towers in Charlestown, New Hampshire
Charlestown has 20 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, CW and ION. About 4 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WYCU-LD, 13 miles to the NNE.
Network channels in Charlestown
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCWMUR-TVABC | 9 | 46 mi | 112° ESE | Weak | Manchester, NH |
| IONWPXG-TVION | 21 | 56 mi | 93° E | Fair | Concord, NH |
| CWWFXQ-CDCW | 28.2 | 69 mi | 189° S | Poor | Springfield, MA |
| ABCWGGB-TVABC | 40 | 70 mi | 189° S | Weak | Springfield, MA |
| CBSWSHM-LDCBS | 33 | 70 mi | 189° S | Poor | Springfield, MA |
Over-the-air TV in Charlestown
Charlestown, New Hampshire has a population of about 1,150. Our map shows 20 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 7 full-power, 2 Class A, 7 low-power and 4 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 4 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 2 transmitters are within 25 miles, 4 between 25 and 45 miles, and 14 farther out. Three of the 5 network stations in range are licensed to Springfield, MA, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Springfield's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 9 (WMUR-TV), CBS on channel 33 (WSHM-LD), CW on channel 28.2 (WFXQ-CD) and ION on channel 21 (WPXG-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WBTS-CD in Nashua, NH, 88 miles to the southeast. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WFXT in Boston, MA, 89 miles to the southeast. 4 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 Charlestown
Point your antenna ESE, at about 112°. The main network towers for Charlestown sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, WFXQ-CD and WGGB-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 69 miles south of Charlestown (189° S). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Charlestown, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Charlestown
The farthest main network tower for Charlestown is WMUR-TV (ABC), 46 miles away with a weak 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 Charlestown
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WYCU-LDLow power | 13 mi | 30° NNE | Fair | Charlestown, Etc., NH |
| WEKW-TVFull power | 14 mi | 168° SSE | Good | Keene, NH |
| W30DM-DTranslator | 35 mi | 262° W | Poor | Manchester, Etc., VT |
| W36FE-DLow power | 35 mi | 23° NNE | Weak | Hanover, NH |
| W23EU-DTranslator | 37 mi | 308° NW | Poor | Rutland, VT |
| WJCB-LDLow power | 39 mi | 139° SE | Poor | Windsor, VT |
| W20EH-DTranslator | 48 mi | 238° WSW | Poor | Pownal, Etc., VT |
| WYBM-LDLow power | 50 mi | 215° SW | Poor | Westmoreland, NH |
| WYDNFull power | 56 mi | 93° E | Fair | Lowell, MA |
| W32FW-DTranslator | 56 mi | 222° SW | Poor | Adams, MA |
| WNGN-LDLow power | 57 mi | 255° WSW | Poor | Troy, NY |
| WNGX-LDLow power | 57 mi | 255° WSW | Poor | Schenectady, NY |
| WENH-TVFull power | 61 mi | 94° E | Weak | Durham, NH |
| WNCE-CDClass A | 66 mi | 273° W | Poor | Glens Falls, NY |
| WGBY-TVFull power | 70 mi | 189° S | Poor | Springfield, MA |
How Charlestown compares with the rest of New Hampshire
With 4 stations at fair strength or better, Charlestown ranks 177th of 178 places in New Hampshire: fewer than the typical New Hampshire town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 46 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
69% of New Hampshire's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Keene, 22 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Charlestown: 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 112° ESE, the direction of WMUR-TV (ABC), 46 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 4 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 Charlestown, NH?
ABC is on channel 9 from WMUR-TV, broadcasting from 46 miles ESE of Charlestown. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CBS in Charlestown, NH?
CBS is on channel 33 from WSHM-LD, broadcasting from 70 miles S of Charlestown. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is CW in Charlestown, NH?
CW is on channel 28.2 from WFXQ-CD, broadcasting from 69 miles S of Charlestown. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Charlestown?
20 transmitters within 70 miles of Charlestown; around 4 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 Charlestown?
Point your antenna ESE, at about 112°. The main network towers for Charlestown sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Charlestown?
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 Charlestown?
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 Charlestown?
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 New Hampshire cities
- Claremont10 mi
- Keene22 mi
- Swanzey26 mi
- Lebanon29 mi
- Hanover33 mi
- Weare36 mi
- Hopkinton38 mi
- Rindge40 mi
- Franklin42 mi
- Lyme42 mi
- Bristol42 mi
- Northfield44 mi
- New Ipswich44 mi
- East Concord45 mi
Nearby cities in other states
- Rockingham, VT4.8 mi
- Townshend, VT18 mi
- Londonderry, VT19 mi
- Woodstock, VT27 mi
- Brattleboro, VT28 mi
- Dover, VT28 mi
- Hartford, VT29 mi
- Manchester Center, VT32 mi
- Rutland, VT38 mi
- Granville, NY44 mi
More: all TV stations in New Hampshire · Northeast region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Charlestown; signal estimates ignore terrain.