TV channels & antenna towers in Watertown, New York

Watertown is a town of about 26,800 people in New York. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 25 licensed TV transmitters: 6 full-power, 8 Class A, 10 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 5 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 6 transmitters are within 25 miles, 0 between 25 and 45 miles, and 19 farther out. Watertown is a broadcast hub in its own right: three of the 7 network stations in range are licensed here.

The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 20 (WUTR), NBC on channel 45 (WVNC-LD), Fox on channel 7.2 (WWNY-TV) and CW on channel 50.2 (WWTI). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WKOF in Syracuse, NY, 72 miles to the south. 2 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.

The main network towers around Watertown are in different directions: ABC 147° SSE (68 mi) and Fox 99° E (9.2 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.

Two network stations, WWNY-TV and WNYF-CD, transmit from the same tower site about 9.2 miles east of Watertown (99° E). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.

Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Watertown at fair strength or better, 67% arrive from the east; the rest are spread across one other direction.

WUTR (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Watertown. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

The farthest main network tower for Watertown is WUTR (ABC), 68 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.

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.

With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Watertown ranks 987th of 1,012 places in New York: fewer than the typical New York town (23). Its nearest major network tower is 5.2 miles away, against a state median of 22 miles.

24% of New York's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.