TV channels & antenna towers in Washburn, North Dakota
Washburn has 16 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, Fox and CW. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K28MS-D, 34 miles to the SSE.
Network channels in Washburn
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXKFYR-TVFox | 5.2 | 48 mi | 167° SSE | Good | Bismarck, ND |
| CWKXMB-TVCW | 12.2 | 49 mi | 168° SSE | Fair | Bismarck, ND |
| ABCKBMYABC | 17 | 50 mi | 168° SSE | Fair | Bismarck, ND |
| CWKXMC-TVCW | 13.2 | 55 mi | 345° NNW | Weak | Minot, ND |
| ABCKMCYABC | 14 | 55 mi | 343° NNW | Weak | Minot, ND |
| FOXKMOTFox | 10.2 | 65 mi | 348° NNW | Poor | Minot, ND |
Over-the-air TV in Washburn
Washburn, North Dakota has a population of about 1,310. Our map shows 16 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 10 full-power and 6 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Washburn, 2 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 14 are more than 45 miles out. Three of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Bismarck, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Bismarck's stations.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 17 (KBMY), Fox on channel 5.2 (KFYR-TV) and CW on channel 12.2 (KXMB-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KVLY-TV in Fargo, ND, 175 miles to the east. No CBS affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Washburn. 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 Washburn
Point your antenna SSE, at about 168°. The main network towers for Washburn sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, KFYR-TV, KXMB-TV and KBMY, transmit from the same tower site about 48 miles south of Washburn (167° SSE). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.
Of the 3 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Washburn at fair strength or better, all arrive from the south, so this is an easy place to aim.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Washburn, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Washburn
The farthest main network tower for Washburn is KBMY (ABC), 50 miles away with a fair 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.
Other stations near Washburn
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K28MS-DLow power | 34 mi | 159° SSE | Poor | Bismarck, ND |
| KXBK-LDLow power | 35 mi | 161° SSE | Poor | Bismarck, ND |
| K23OL-DLow power | 48 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Bismarck, ND |
| K35PO-DLow power | 48 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Bismarck, ND |
| KBME-TVFull power | 50 mi | 167° SSE | Fair | Bismarck, ND |
| KNDBFull power | 50 mi | 167° SSE | Fair | Bismarck, ND |
| KSREFull power | 55 mi | 342° NNW | Fair | Minot, ND |
| KNDMFull power | 56 mi | 340° NNW | Weak | Minot, ND |
| K18NW-DLow power | 65 mi | 348° NNW | Poor | Minot, ND |
| K35MM-DLow power | 67 mi | 348° NNW | Poor | Minot, ND |
How Washburn compares with the rest of North Dakota
With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Washburn ranks 17th of 80 places in North Dakota: more than the typical North Dakota town (3). Its nearest major network tower is 48 miles away, against a state median of 38 miles.
55% of North Dakota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Mandan, 33 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Washburn: 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 168° SSE, the direction of KBMY (ABC), 50 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 Washburn, ND?
ABC is on channel 17 from KBMY, broadcasting from 50 miles SSE of Washburn. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Washburn, ND?
Fox is on channel 5.2 from KFYR-TV, broadcasting from 48 miles SSE of Washburn. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Washburn, ND?
CW is on channel 12.2 from KXMB-TV, broadcasting from 49 miles SSE of Washburn. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Washburn?
16 transmitters within 70 miles of Washburn; around 6 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 Washburn?
Point your antenna SSE, at about 168°. The main network towers for Washburn sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Washburn?
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 Washburn?
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 Washburn?
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 North Dakota cities
- Stanton17 mi
- Center17 mi
- Hazen28 mi
- McClusky31 mi
- Garrison31 mi
- Mandan33 mi
- Beulah35 mi
- Bismarck35 mi
- Lincoln40 mi
More: all TV stations in North Dakota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Washburn; signal estimates ignore terrain.