TV channels & antenna towers in Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell has 19 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying NBC, Fox and CW. About 9 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K33OB-D, 3.7 miles to the W.
Network channels in Roswell
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKRWB-TVCW | 21 | 26 mi | 142° SE | Strong | Roswell, NM |
| NBCKOBRNBC | 8 | 44 mi | 92° E | Fair | Roswell, NM |
| FOXKBIM-TVFox | 10.2 | 47 mi | 120° ESE | Fair | Roswell, NM |
Over-the-air TV in Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico has a population of about 48,500. There are 19 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 6 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 4 at good or strong strength.
5 of them are within 25 miles of Roswell, 3 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 11 are more than 45 miles out. Roswell is a broadcast hub in its own right: three of the 3 network stations in range are licensed here.
The best-placed network stations are NBC on channel 8 (KOBR), Fox on channel 10.2 (KBIM-TV) and CW on channel 21 (KRWB-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KVIH-TV in Clovis, NM, 90 miles to the northeast. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KLBK-TV in Lubbock, TX, 153 miles to the east. 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 Roswell
Point your antenna ESE, at about 106°. The main network towers for Roswell 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 Roswell at fair strength or better, 67% arrive from the southeast; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Roswell, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Roswell
The farthest main network tower for Roswell is KBIM-TV (Fox), 47 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 Roswell
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K33OB-DLow power | 3.7 mi | 259° W | Good | Roswell, NM |
| K31GS-DTranslator | 8.4 mi | 85° E | Good | Roswell, NM |
| K15FT-DTranslator | 8.4 mi | 87° E | Fair | Roswell, NM |
| K13RK-DTranslator | 8.4 mi | 87° E | Fair | Roswell, NM |
| KRPV-DTFull power | 8.6 mi | 89° E | Good | Roswell, NM |
| K29FM-DTranslator | 39 mi | 172° S | Poor | Artesia, NM |
| K16LR-DTranslator | 45 mi | 156° SSE | Poor | Artesia, NM |
| K18NX-DTranslator | 45 mi | 156° SSE | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| KKACFull power | 45 mi | 156° SSE | Fair | Carlsbad, NM |
| K26PL-DLow power | 46 mi | 157° SSE | Poor | Roswell, NM |
| K23MV-DTranslator | 68 mi | 168° SSE | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| K33NX-DTranslator | 68 mi | 168° SSE | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| K20KT-DTranslator | 68 mi | 59° ENE | Poor | Dora, NM |
| K17MN-DTranslator | 69 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| KTEL-TVFull power | 69 mi | 163° SSE | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
| K28NM-DLow power | 69 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Carlsbad, NM |
How Roswell compares with the rest of New Mexico
With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Roswell ranks 83rd of 152 places in New Mexico: fewer than the typical New Mexico town (10). Its nearest major network tower is 26 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 Roswell: 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 120° ESE, the direction of KBIM-TV (Fox), 47 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 NBC in Roswell, NM?
NBC is on channel 8 from KOBR, broadcasting from 44 miles E of Roswell. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Roswell, NM?
Fox is on channel 10.2 from KBIM-TV, broadcasting from 47 miles ESE of Roswell. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CW in Roswell, NM?
CW is on channel 21 from KRWB-TV, broadcasting from 26 miles SE of Roswell. Estimated signal: strong.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Roswell?
19 transmitters within 70 miles of Roswell; 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 Roswell?
Point your antenna ESE, at about 106°. The main network towers for Roswell sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Roswell?
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 Roswell?
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 Roswell?
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 Roswell; signal estimates ignore terrain.