TV channels & antenna towers in Watford City, North Dakota
Watford City has 9 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying Fox and CW. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K28QQ-D, 29 miles to the NNW.
Network channels in Watford City
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXKUMV-TVFox | 8.2 | 35 mi | 311° NW | Weak | Williston, ND |
| CWKXMD-TVCW | 11.2 | 37 mi | 310° NW | Fair | Williston, ND |
| FOXKQCD-TVFox | 7.2 | 61 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Dickinson, ND |
Over-the-air TV in Watford City
Watford City, North Dakota has a population of about 6,710. There are 9 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 4 full-power, 2 low-power and 3 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Watford City, 6 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 3 are more than 45 miles out. Two of the 3 network stations in range are licensed to Williston, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Williston's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are Fox on channel 8.2 (KUMV-TV) and CW on channel 11.2 (KXMD-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KMCY in Minot, ND, 90 miles to the east. No CBS or NBC affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Watford City. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Watford City
Point your antenna NW, at about 311°. The main network towers for Watford City sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Two network stations, KUMV-TV and KXMD-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 35 miles northwest of Watford City (311° NW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Watford City, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Watford City
The farthest main network tower for Watford City is KUMV-TV (Fox), 35 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 Watford City
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K28QQ-DTranslator | 29 mi | 334° NNW | Weak | Williston, ND |
| K20PB-DLow power | 35 mi | 311° NW | Weak | Williston, ND |
| KWSEFull power | 37 mi | 310° NW | Fair | Williston, ND |
| K13IG-DTranslator | 39 mi | 268° W | Poor | Sidney - Fairview, MT |
| K28QT-DLow power | 61 mi | 167° SSE | Poor | Dickinson, ND |
| K34GY-DTranslator | 64 mi | 296° WNW | Poor | Culbertson, MT |
How Watford City compares with the rest of North Dakota
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Watford City ranks 47th of 80 places in North Dakota: fewer than the typical North Dakota town (3). Its nearest major network tower is 35 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 Williston, 28 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Watford City: 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 311° NW, the direction of KUMV-TV (Fox), 35 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 2 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 Fox in Watford City, ND?
Fox is on channel 8.2 from KUMV-TV, broadcasting from 35 miles NW of Watford City. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CW in Watford City, ND?
CW is on channel 11.2 from KXMD-TV, broadcasting from 37 miles NW of Watford City. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Watford City?
9 transmitters within 70 miles of Watford City; around 2 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 Watford City?
Point your antenna NW, at about 311°. The main network towers for Watford City sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Watford City?
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 Watford City?
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 Watford City?
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.
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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 Watford City; signal estimates ignore terrain.