TV channels & antenna towers in Columbus, New Mexico
Columbus has 22 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CBS, NBC, Fox, CW, Telemundo and Univision. About 9 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K29MK-D, 25 miles to the N.
Network channels in Columbus
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXKFOX-TVFox | 14 | 68 mi | 90° E | Good | El Paso, TX |
| CBSKDBC-TVCBS | 4 | 68 mi | 90° E | Good | El Paso, TX |
| TLMKTDOTelemundo | 48 | 68 mi | 91° E | Fair | Las Cruces, NM |
| CWKVIA-TVCW | 7.2 | 68 mi | 91° E | Fair | El Paso, TX |
| NBCKTSM-TVNBC | 9 | 68 mi | 91° E | Fair | El Paso, TX |
| UNIKINT-TVUnivision | 26 | 68 mi | 92° E | Fair | El Paso, TX |
Over-the-air TV in Columbus
Columbus, New Mexico has a population of about 1,630. Our map shows 22 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 9 full-power, 3 low-power and 10 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 9 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Columbus, 7 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 15 are more than 45 miles out. Five of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to El Paso, TX, so most of the network channels you will find here come from El Paso's stations.
The strongest network signals here are CBS on channel 4 (KDBC-TV), NBC on channel 9 (KTSM-TV), Fox on channel 14 (KFOX-TV), CW on channel 7.2 (KVIA-TV), Telemundo on channel 48 (KTDO) and Univision on channel 26 (KINT-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KGUN-TV in Tucson, AZ, 184 miles to the west. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (fair signal) and Univision (fair signal). 3 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 Columbus
Point your antenna E, at about 91°. The main network towers for Columbus sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Six network stations, KFOX-TV, KDBC-TV, KTDO, KVIA-TV and KTSM-TV and others, transmit from the same tower site about 68 miles east of Columbus (90° E). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.
Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Columbus at fair strength or better, all arrive from the east, so this is an easy place to aim.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Columbus, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Columbus
The farthest main network tower for Columbus is KTSM-TV (NBC), 68 miles away with a fair 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 Columbus
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K29MK-DTranslator | 25 mi | 4° N | Fair | Deming, NM |
| K24MX-DTranslator | 25 mi | 4° N | Weak | Deming, NM |
| K32NL-DTranslator | 25 mi | 4° N | Poor | Deming, NM |
| K35HB-DTranslator | 25 mi | 4° N | Weak | Deming, NM |
| K31KB-DTranslator | 25 mi | 4° N | Weak | Deming, NM |
| K15IG-DTranslator | 25 mi | 4° N | Weak | Deming, NM |
| K22ME-DTranslator | 26 mi | 4° N | Weak | Deming, NM |
| K22NM-DLow power | 53 mi | 54° NE | Poor | Las Cruces, NM |
| K19LZ-DTranslator | 53 mi | 54° NE | Poor | Las Cruces & Organ, NM |
| KCWF-LDLow power | 65 mi | 52° NE | Poor | Las Cruces, NM |
| KSCEFull power | 68 mi | 91° E | Fair | El Paso, TX |
| K27OJ-DLow power | 68 mi | 91° E | Poor | El Paso, TX |
| KTFNFull power | 68 mi | 91° E | Good | El Paso, TX |
| KCOSFull power | 68 mi | 92° E | Poor | El Paso, TX |
| K28GJ-DTranslator | 69 mi | 29° NNE | Poor | Hatch, NM |
| K33QU-DTranslator | 69 mi | 319° NW | Poor | Jacks Peak, NM |
How Columbus compares with the rest of New Mexico
With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Columbus ranks 83rd of 152 places in New Mexico: fewer than the typical New Mexico town (10). Its nearest major network tower is 68 miles away, against a state median of 29 miles.
34% of New Mexico's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Columbus: 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 91° E, the direction of KTSM-TV (NBC), 68 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 9 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 CBS in Columbus, NM?
CBS is on channel 4 from KDBC-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles E of Columbus. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is NBC in Columbus, NM?
NBC is on channel 9 from KTSM-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles E of Columbus. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Columbus, NM?
Fox is on channel 14 from KFOX-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles E of Columbus. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Columbus, NM?
CW is on channel 7.2 from KVIA-TV, broadcasting from 68 miles E of Columbus. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Telemundo in Columbus, NM?
Telemundo is on channel 48 from KTDO, broadcasting from 68 miles E of Columbus. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Columbus?
22 transmitters within 70 miles of Columbus; around 9 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 Columbus?
Point your antenna E, at about 91°. The main network towers for Columbus sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Columbus?
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 Columbus?
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 Columbus?
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 Mexico cities
More: all TV stations in New Mexico · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Columbus; signal estimates ignore terrain.